Flash Flood Watch For Much Of Maryland Issued

BALTIMORE, MD — The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch Tuesday afternoon to early Wednesday morning for much of Maryland. A flash flood watch means heavy rain over a short period of time could lead to a rapid rise in water level that may inundate roads and cause streams to overflow.

"Showers and thunderstorms will develop ahead of a cold front through this evening," the National Weather Service said after 6 p.m. "Thunderstorms will contain heavy rainfall, which has the potential to cause creeks and streams to rapidly rise out of their banks."

Around 2 to 4 inches of rain are possible with any storms that develop Tuesday evening, the weather service reported, an increase from the 1 to 3 inches previously forecast.

While heavy rain and lightning are the major threats, authorities said hail and damaging winds could accompany some of the strongest storms in the slow-moving front.

RELATED: Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued For 9 Maryland Counties + Baltimore

Baltimore City and these counties are included in the flash flood watch, effective from 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, to 1 a.m. on Wednesday, May 16:

• Allegany
• Anne Arundel
• Baltimore
• Carroll
• Cecil (4 p.m. to 2 a.m.)
• Frederick
• Harford
• Howard
• Kent (4 p.m. to 2 a.m.)
• Montgomery
• Prince George's
• Queen Anne's (4 p.m. to 2 a.m.)
• Washington

Also included in the flash flood watch are parts of northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.

"There are indications that storms may repeatedly move over the same areas, especially during the evening hours," the National Weather Service said in a statement. "Motorists should be prepared for torrential downpours and potential flooding as the storms move through."

Flooding conditions can occur quickly during a heavy rainfall.

Here are some tips for driving in heavy rain:

• Increase distance between vehicles. More space is needed for stopping in the rain.
• Decrease speed.
• Avoid standing water when you are not sure of the depth. Turn around; don't drown.
• Turn on your headlights so you can see and be seen.

Image via Shutterstock.