Baltimore, Anne Arundel Counties Under Severe Thunderstorm Warning

BALTIMORE, MD — The one thing Maryland doesn’t need is more rain, but the National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties, along with the city of Baltimore.

The warning lasts until 5:30 p.m. ET.

At 4:37 p.m. a severe thunderstorm was located over Sparrows Point and moving southeast at 10 mph. Wind gusts of 60 mph are the biggest hazard from the storm, the weather service says.

Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall, which could damage homes and vehicles. Roadways may become blocked by downed trees and localized power outages are possible.

Areas affected by the warning include: Riviera Beach, Fort Smallwood State Park, Back River, Sparrows Point, North Point State Park, Millers Island, Bodkin Point, Dundalk, Essex, Pasadena, Lake Shore, Edgemere, Fort Howard and Turners Station.

On Saturday night, 6 inches of rain fell in Ellicott City, creating a flash flood that ravaged the historic town’s Main Street and killed two people. Damage is still being tallied but is expected to reach into the millions of dollars.

SEE ALSO: Ellicott City Flood: Rescuers Searching Buildings Monday, Two Dead

If you are in the warning area, you should get indoors to protect yourself from wind and lightning. Trees around you may be downed from damaging winds, so if you are near large trees move to an interior room on the lowest floor. Don`t drive underneath trees or in wooded areas until the threat has passed.