70 MPH Winds, Severe Thunderstorms Possible In Anne Arundel

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Anne Arundel County residents should prepare for strong winds and lightning Monday night, say emergency personnel. The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning that runs until 8:15 p.m. on Monday.

Severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from Mitchellville to near Waldorf to near Colonial
Beach, moving southeast at 40 mph. The storms pack 70 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail, the weather service said. Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall. This could injure those outdoors, and damage homes and vehicles. Roads may become blocked by downed trees.

Localized power outages are possible, warn weather forecasters. Unsecured light objects may become projectiles.

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Locations included in the warning area are: Waldorf, Bowie, Annapolis, Lexington Park, Largo, Chesapeake Ranch Estates, Mayo, Shady Side, Chesapeake Beach, Deale, Leonardtown, Prince Frederick, Piney Point, Upper Marlboro, Tall Timbers, Saint Inigoes Creek, Hallowing Point, Saint Leonard Creek, Town Creek and
Sheridan Point.

Residents are urged to get indoors to protect themselves from wind and lightning. "Trees around you may be downed from damaging winds, so if you are near large trees, move to an interior room on the lowest floor," the National Weather Service said. "Don't drive underneath trees or in wooded areas until the threat has passed."

Anne Arundel County is under a severe thunderstorm watch until 9 p.m. on Monday, May 14. During the watch period, scattered severe thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts and large hail are possible, according to the National Weather Service.

A severe thunderstorm watch means there is potential for severe thunderstorms. It usually precedes a severe thunderstorm warning, which weather officials issue if a storm has developed and will strike soon.

Before the storm you should:

• Charge electronic devices.
• Secure outdoor objects that are loose.

RELATED: Severe Thunderstorms And Daily Rain In Forecast

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