Flood Watch Issued For Anne Arundel County

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A winter weather advisory has expired for Anne Arundel County, but more cold, heavy rains are expected, which has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a flood watch. Meanwhile, parts of Howard, Baltimore and Montgomery counties are now under a winter storm warning with 4 and 6 inches of snow predicted by 4 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 16.

All after-school activities, including evening middle and high school and extended day PVA classes, are canceled Nov. 15 at Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

A flood watch is in effect from noon on Nov. 15 to midnight for Anne Arundel, including the cities of Laurel, Glen Burnie, Annapolis, Severn, South Gate, Severna Park, Arnold, and Odenton.

A gale warning is in effect through Thursday night for the lower tidal Potomac River and middle portion of the Chesapeake Bay.

A period of moderately heavy rain is expected Thursday afternoon and evening. One and a half to two inches of rain is expected with isolated higher amounts possible. This may lead to flooding of
area creeks and streams as well as in urban and poor drainage areas.

A flood watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

Here's the latest forecast:

Thursday Afternoon: Rain. High near 40. Breezy, with a northeast wind 18 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Thursday Night: Rain before 4am, then a chance of rain, snow, and sleet. Low around 38. Breezy, with a northeast wind 16 to 21 mph becoming north 9 to 14 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Little or no snow and sleet accumulation expected.

Friday: A chance of rain, snow, and sleet before 7am, then a slight chance of rain and snow between 7am and 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. West wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 35. West wind 7 to 9 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 50. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 49.

Ways To Safe On The Road

"Roads that are slick or ice-covered can create a worst-case scenario for drivers," AAA Mid-Atlantic Public and Government Affairs Manager Ragina Cooper Averella said in a statement.
To stay safe, drivers should plan ahead and give themselves extra time for the Thursday morning commute.

AAA Mid-Atlantic advises drivers to be prepared and follow these winter driving tips:

• Avoid braking and turning at the same time. Brake first, then turn, then accelerate.
• Accelerate and decelerate more slowly than you would on dry roads.
• Leave extra space between your car and the car ahead of you.
• Drive with your low-beam headlights on, even during daylight.
• Use turn signals, make sure lanes are clear before changing and leave plenty of time to stop.
• Avoid using cruise control, which can reduce traction.
• Look and steer in the direction you want the car to go if you start to skid.
• Avoid puddles when it's safe to do so.
• Wear your seat belt.
• Minimize distractions. Don't text, talk on the phone or drive under the influence.
• Do not stop going up a hill.
• Pull over to the side of the road and stop completely if you can't see.

Image via Shutterstock.