MD Weather: Flood Watch Issued As 3 Inches Of Rain Forecast

MARYLAND — Heavy rains that could dump several inches of rain and produce flooding over already waterlogged ground could arrive in the Baltimore-DC region late Friday afternoon and evening.

"Slow moving thunderstorms will result in areas of heavy rain this afternoon and evening," the National Weather Service said Friday. "Localized totals of 3 inches or greater are possible in spots. A few instances of flash flooding are likely, especially in urban areas."

A flash flood watch is in effect until 11 p.m. most of Maryland except Cecil County and the Eastern Shore, the National Weather Service said.

The watch area includes the city of Baltimore, plus Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Howard, Montgomery, Charles, Harford, Howard, Prince George's and St. Marys counties.

Cities under the flood watch include: Bowie, Silver Spring, Eldersburg, Westminster, Bethesda, Jarrettsville, Rockville, Lusby, Germantown, Annapolis, Greenbelt, Columbia, College Park, Cockeysville, Gaithersburg, Laurel, Suitland-Silver Hill, California, Frederick, Severna Park, Ellicott City, Odenton, Reisterstown, Aberdeen, Glen Burnie, Chesapeake Beach, Severn and Arnold.

"Most areas from the central Appalachians and mid-Atlantic to southern New England will not have a total washout, but some random locations can be hit hard with repeating downpours that can lead to urban flooding into this weekend," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Joe Lundberg said.

Most of the downpours may hit the Interstate 95 zone during part of the Friday afternoon rush hour and the weekend getaway time Friday evening. However, even along the Atlantic Seaboard, a rogue downpour can occur at any time Friday and Saturday.

"The best chance of widespread downpours and perhaps gusty thunderstorms from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore to Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston on Friday will be roughly from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.," Lundberg said.

A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation, the agency said.

Residents should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action in case flash flood warnings are issued, the NWS said.

Here's the latest Maryland forecast:

Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Southeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 9pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. South wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Southwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Chance of precipitation is 40%.