Norman, OK – A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for nearly all of Maryland until 10 p.m. EDT Tuesday, as forecasters warn that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging weather across the state.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 509 includes 23 Maryland counties and Baltimore City. A severe thunderstorm watch means atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms. It does not mean severe weather is already occurring, but residents should be prepared if warnings are issued later today.
The watch covers major population centers including Baltimore, Annapolis, Frederick, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Hagerstown, Columbia, Towson, Waldorf, Salisbury, Cumberland, Elkton, Easton, Cambridge, La Plata, and Ocean City.
Counties included in the watch are Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester, along with Baltimore City.
Forecasters say storms developing this afternoon and evening may produce damaging wind gusts of 60 mph or greater, large hail, frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, and torrential rainfall, with localized flooding possible where the heaviest rain falls.
Residents are encouraged to closely monitor weather forecasts, enable emergency alerts on mobile devices, and have multiple ways to receive warnings. If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued for your location, seek shelter indoors immediately and stay away from windows until the storm passes.
