Western Maryland – A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Western Maryland until 7 PM EDT on Saturday. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns of the potential for damaging winds reaching up to 70 mph and isolated large hailstones up to 1.5 inches in diameter.
According to the NWS Storm Prediction Center, the storms are expected to increase in coverage as they move eastward through the afternoon and evening. Residents in the affected areas should stay alert for rapidly changing weather conditions and seek shelter if necessary.
The severe thunderstorm watch covers areas approximately 60 miles east and west of a line from 40 miles northwest of Altoona, Pennsylvania, to 10 miles southwest of Beckley, West Virginia. The NWS advises that severe thunderstorms can sometimes produce tornadoes, adding to the urgency of the watch.
