Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued For Anne Arundel, Howard

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning in effect for Howard and Anne Arundel counties. The warning is in effect until 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20. It calls for 60 mph wind gusts and hail the size of half-dollars.

At 4 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Savage-guilford, or near Columbia, moving northeast at 15 mph, according to the weather service. A portion of southwestern Baltimore County is also in the warning area.

During the severe thunderstorm warning period, people should go inside to stay safe from wind and lightning. Do not drive underneath wooded areas until the threat has passed, as trees and branches may fall. Roads may become blocked by downed trees, and objects that have not been secured may go flying.

Communities included in the warning are: Columbia, Severn, Elkridge, Baltimore-Washington Airport, Historic Ellicott City, Glen Burnie, Ellicott City, Catonsville, Woodlawn, Milford Mill, Laurel, Arbutus, Ferndale, Brooklyn Park, Fort Meade, Savage-Guilford, Pumphrey, Scaggsville, Ilchester and Linthicum.

People in these areas should move inside and go to the lowest floor of a building, in an interior room.