High Winds, Heavy Rain In Forecast Prompt MD Traffic Alert

MARYLAND — High winds and heavy rain are expected across Maryland, where a flood watch is in effect from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday. To prepare, the State Highway Administration is readying with high water signage and equipment like chainsaws.

Wind gusts were already clocking in at 40 and 50 mph in southern Maryland before 9 a.m., according to the Maryland Department of Transportation's local weather station data.

Due to high winds, trees and tree limbs may fall Thursday, and power outages are possible. If a signal is out, drivers should treat the intersection as a four-way stop.

Before 8 a.m. a tree fell on MD 295 south near MD 198, prompting a brief lane closure that had cleared by 8:20 a.m.

A wind advisory is in effect until 2 p.m. for Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Harford and St. Mary's counties calling for 20 to 25 mph winds with gusts up to 45 mph. A separate wind advisory in Cecil County runs until 8 p.m., with 15 to 25 mph winds and gusts up to 50 mph possible. People should use extra care while driving, and secure objects that may be blown around outside.

Heavy rain is expected Thursday afternoon through Thursday evening, and central Maryland is under a flood watch from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Rain totals are expected to be 1.5 to 2.5 inches, with 3 inches or more possible in some areas. Streams and rivers may flood around the region.

Temperatures are expected to be in the mid 60s Thursday, dropping to the low 50s at night. Rain is expected after 11 a.m.

Anne Arundel County through parts of Baltimore County and Baltimore City are under coastal flood warnings, while areas from Harford to Cecil and Kent counties are on alert for coastal flooding as well.

Drivers should turn around — don't drown — if they come across water of unknown depth. According to the State Highway Administration, 6 inches of water can knock people off their feet, and 2 feet of rapidly moving water can float a bus.

The State Highway Administration issued the following tips for drivers who must be out Thursday, which is limited to those whose travel is deemed essential, as Maryland remains under a stay-at-home order:

• Watch out for wild animals like deer that may run into the road to escape dangerous areas.
• Avoid downed power lines, as they may still be live.
• Be on the lookout for fallen trees and tree limbs.

See the state transportation website for the latest lane closures and traffic information.

Related: Flood Watch Issued For Much Of Maryland