Baltimore, Md. – Hot and humid air will set the stage for dangerous thunderstorms across Maryland and the D.C. region today, with damaging wind gusts and flash flooding likely by late afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington office, a Flood Watch is in effect through tonight for central and western Maryland, northern Virginia, and eastern West Virginia, including Baltimore, Gaithersburg, Cumberland, and Washington, D.C.. Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop after 2 p.m., with rainfall rates exceeding 2 inches per hour in localized areas.
Roadway flooding, power outages, and poor visibility during the evening commute are likely in low-lying and urban areas. Commuters should avoid underpasses and areas with poor drainage. Officials urge residents to stay off the roads during heavy downpours and to never drive through flooded intersections.
Cities most at risk include Frederick, Hagerstown, Alexandria, and Annapolis, where saturated ground may quickly overwhelm storm drains. This system marks one of the more widespread summer severe weather days so far in July.
Storm activity is expected to taper off after midnight, but lingering moisture could lead to isolated showers Thursday morning. Another round of storms is possible later this week.
