75 MPH 'Derecho' Style Winds Possible: Harford Emergency Manager

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Harford County residents should prepare for strong winds Monday night, say emergency personnel. Based on the latest forecast, Emergency Manager Rick Ayers said that the timing for a severe storm is 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday in Harford County.

"The potential for a derecho-type storm exists for this evening and damaging winds of 75 mph today has increased," Ayers said in a statement late Monday afternoon.

A "squall line of thunderstorms" was gathering in western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia as of 2 p.m. and would likely intensify as the storms moved over the mid-Atlantic, Ayers said.

SEE ALSO: What Is A Derecho?

"Damaging winds may be more widespread behind this line than in typical events," Ayers said.

Harford 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.

Here are tips from Harford County Emergency Manager Rick Ayers to prepare for the storm:

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

The Harford County Emergency Operations Center will be activated before the storm to help with any issues that may arise, Ayers said.

RELATED: Severe Thunderstorms And Daily Rain In Forecast

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