Maryland Weather: Flood Alerts And Marine Warning Issued

BALTIMORE, MD — Much of Maryland is on alert that flooding is possible Sunday as storms are expected. Warnings and watches have been issued across the state, where drivers and boaters should be aware of potentially dangerous conditions.

The National Weather Service has issued a special marine warning for the Chesapeake Bay and Patapsco River after radar indicated a severe storm at 3:26 p.m. around Back River.

Boaters on small crafts could be thrown overboard and are advised to take shelter, seeking safe harbor until the hazardous weather passes. The special marine warning is in effect until 6:15 p.m. on Sunday, May 27.

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A flash flood warning is in effect for northeastern Baltimore City as well as east central Baltimore County until 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 27, meaning that flash flooding is imminent or occurring.

Flash flooding is a rapid rise in water level that can be dangerous. Drivers encountering flooded roads should turn around — don't drown — officials advise. Those near low-lying areas should move to higher ground.

According to the flash flood warning, up to 3 inches of rain had already fallen by 2 p.m. and flash flooding would begin shortly, particularly in Baltimore, Parkville, Perry Hall, Rossville, Fullerton and White Marsh.

@NWS has issued a flash flood warning for central, east Balto Co til 5 p.m. Creeks and streams expected to rise. One to two more inches of rain expected in next few hours. Please stay away from creeks and streams. EA
— Emergency Management (@BACOemergency) May 27, 2018

Harford and Baltimore counties as well as Baltimore City are under a flood warning until 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, May 27.

Before 2 p.m., the National Weather Service radar showed thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rain around the Baltimore area. Since up to 2 inches of rain had already fallen and 1 to 2 inches of additional rain were expected by 3 p.m., weather officials warned that low-lying areas may flood and streams may overflow their banks.

These locations may experience flooding, weather officials say: Middle River, Cockeysville, Aberdeen, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Towson, Bel Air South, Dundalk, Essex, Parkville, Bel Air North, Carney, Perry Hall, Rosedale, Rossville, Nottingham, Fullerton, Loch Raven Village, Gunpowder, Mays Chapel, Timonium, Fallston, Riverside, Hampton, Kingsville, Pleasant Hills, Perryman and Lutherville-Timonium.

A flood warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring, and people should turn around if they come across flooded roads.

Boaters should also take precautions, the National Weather Service added. At 1:06 p.m., radar showed strong thunderstorms with winds around 30 knots from Havre de Grace to the Gunpowder area to Middle River. High waves, strong wind gusts, lower visibility and potential lightning strikes may occur. Boaters are encouraged to head for shore.

Flash Flood Watches Across State

Flash flood watches are in effect from the Eastern Shore to Montgomery County as showers and thunderstorms create the potential for significant rainfall in a short period of time.

A flash flood watch is in effect from noon until 2 a.m. on Monday, May 28, for Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Charles, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's counties as well as Baltimore City. Parts of Virginia and the District of Columbia are under the watch as well. Previously, the watch was set to expire at 10 p.m. on Sunday, May 27, but it was extended at 2:40 p.m.

A flash flood watch means that conditions could lead to flash flooding, a dangerous situation that occurs when water levels rise rapidly.

Showers and thunderstorms capable of heavy rain are expected Sunday afternoon and evening that may lead to localized rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches, according to the National Weather Service.

Carroll, Frederick, Allegany, St. Mary's, Washington and Calvert counties are under a separate flash flood watch until 2 a.m. on Monday, May 28, calling for heavy showers with 1 to 3 inches of localized rainfall possible.

Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne's and Talbot counties are under a separate flash flood watch, effective from 10 a.m. Sunday to 4 a.m. Monday, calling for torrential downpours early Sunday afternoon through Sunday evening. The Delaware beaches and southern New Jersey are under the flash flood watch as well.

Storms may develop across southeastern Pennsylvania and Maryland's Eastern Shore, traveling east across Delaware and southern New Jersey through Sunday evening, according to the watch. Weather officials say up to 2 inches of rain an hour may fall, and 2 to 5 inches of rain may accumulate over a few hours.

Such rainfall in a short period may lead to a rapid rise in water level, which authorities say could cause flash flooding, especially around small streams and urban areas.

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