Baltimore, Maryland – Powerful thunderstorms could slam parts of the Mid-Atlantic this afternoon, bringing damaging wind gusts, hail, and lightning to major population centers from Washington, D.C. to southern New Jersey.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch (No. 433) remains in effect until 7 p.m. EDT Wednesday for portions of Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Affected counties include Montgomery, Camden, Fairfax, Philadelphia, and Kent, among others.
Localized wind damage, torrential downpours, and scattered power outages are possible, especially in urban corridors such as Baltimore, Wilmington, and Trenton. Crews are on alert for downed trees and flash flooding in low-lying areas.
Drivers are urged to avoid non-essential travel during the afternoon commute, especially along I-95, Route 50, and coastal highways, where visibility may drop suddenly in heavy rain. Boaters across Delaware Bay, Chesapeake Bay, and the Potomac River should seek shelter as waters could become hazardous.
This is the first widespread severe thunderstorm watch of the week across the region. Additional watches or warnings may be issued if storms intensify.
