Harford County Under Flood, Freeze Watches

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Harford County Thursday. Officials issue a flood watch when the forecast indicates potential for flooding.

About 2 to 3 inches of rain are in the forecast, officials say. Heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Zeta may cause flooding in streams, creeks and urban areas, according to authorities, who advise fallen leaves may clog drains.

Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action.

At 8 a.m. Thursday, weather officials said Tropical Storm Zeta was 50 miles west of Asheville, N.C. It is expected to move across parts of the Mid-Atlantic Thursday afternoon.

The remnants of Zeta may bring a soaking rain Thursday night through Friday afternoon, according to authorities.

The flood watch is in effect until 11 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, for Harford County as well as Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's and St. Mary's counties and Baltimore City.

During the flood watch period, people should not cross flowing water or water of unknown depth to prevent being swept away.

"River banks and culverts can become unstable and unsafe," according to the National Weather Service. A gale warning is also in effect from 1 to 10 p.m.

A freeze watch is in effect from 3 to 9 a.m. Saturday for parts of Harford County as well as Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick and Howard counties.

Temperatures may drop to 31 degrees overnight Friday, leading to frost and freeze conditions that could kill crops and sensitive vegetation and potentially damage outdoor plumbing that has not been protected.

Officials advise taking preventive actions before temperatures drop below freezing:

• Cover tender plants to protect them from the cold or bring them inside.
• Wrap or drain pipes, allowing them to drip slowly.
• Drain in-ground sprinkler systems.
• Cover above-ground pipes.

Here is the forecast for Harford County from the National Weather Service.

See Also: Hurricane Zeta Prompts Flood Watch For Maryland