Washington, DC – A strong cold front moving through the Mid-Atlantic on Wednesday is expected to bring multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms, with the potential for damaging winds and localized flooding across Maryland, Washington, D.C., northern Virginia, and eastern West Virginia.
According to the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington office, storms developing Wednesday afternoon and evening could become strong to severe. Forecasters warned that saturated ground conditions in parts of western Maryland and eastern West Virginia increase the risk for flash flooding and rising waterways.
Flood Watches remain in effect through Wednesday afternoon for portions of western Maryland and eastern West Virginia, where repeated heavy downpours may lead to flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Meteorologists said damaging wind gusts are also possible with stronger thunderstorms later today, especially during the afternoon and evening commute hours. Drivers could encounter reduced visibility, ponding on roadways, and rapidly changing weather conditions.
Cities including Baltimore, Frederick, Hagerstown, Martinsburg, Cumberland, and the Washington metro area could all see periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms as the cold front sweeps eastward.
Conditions are expected to improve late Wednesday night, with cooler and drier weather forecast to arrive Thursday and continue into the weekend. High temperatures are expected to settle back into the 70s with sunnier conditions by Friday and Saturday.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts throughout the day and avoid driving through flooded roadways if flash flooding develops.
