Severe Thunderstorm Warning Expires After Lightning, Hail, Winds

BALTIMORE, MD — A severe thunderstorm warning has expired Sunday night after rain and hail peppered the Baltimore metro region, while lightning lit up the sky. Baltimore City as well as Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Howard counties were under the warning until 10:15 p.m. on Sunday, May 26, according to the National Weather Service.

Radar indicated 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-sized hail at 9:50 p.m. Sunday with storms along a line from White Marsh to Sparrows Point to Severn to Colesville, moving southeast at 35 mph, weather officials said.

During the warning period, people were advised to go inside to stay safe from wind and lightning and avoid driving under wooded areas until the threat had passed, as trees and branches may fall.

These locations were among those that could be impacted: Columbia, Severn, Elkridge, Riviera Beach, Baltimore-Washington Airport, Bodkin Point, Sillery Bay, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Lake Shore, Ferndale, Fort Meade, Millersville, Brooklyn Park, Green Haven, Savage-guilford and South Gate.

The severe thunderstorm warning was in effect until 10:15 p.m. Sunday for the following:

• Baltimore City
• Northern Anne Arundel County
• Southern Baltimore County
• Eastern Howard County

Earlier, radar indicated a severe thunderstorm over Arbutus at 9:35 p.m. that was moving southeast at 35 mph, weather officials said. The storm had 60 mph wind gusts accompanying it, along with quarter-sized hail, according to the severe thunderstorm warning.

At that point, authorities said these areas may be impacted, according to the National Weather Service: Baltimore, Columbia, Severn, Pikesville, Middle River, Elkridge, Riviera Beach, Baltimore-Washington Airport, Bodkin Point, Sillery Bay, Millers Island, North Point State Park, Sparrows Point, Back River, Glen Burnie, Ellicott City, Dundalk, Catonsville, Essex and Woodlawn.

People should go to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building if possible.

In addition, a special marine warning was in effect for waters along the Chesapeake Bay until 10:15 p.m. due to a severe thunderstorm with hail and wind gusts greater than 34 knots, according to the National Weather Service.

Boaters should immediately move to safe harbor due to gusty winds and high waves that are anticipated, as well as frequent lightning occurring with the storm, weather officials advised. Those who are caught out on the water should try to stay below deck and away from metal objects.

A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 1 a.m.