Maryland Weather Forecast: Damaging Winds, Hail Possible In Wednesday Storm

BALTIMORE, MD — Get ready for a windy Wednesday filled with storms and possibly hail.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch from 10:35 a.m. until 5 p.m. for much of central Maryland. A gale warning is also in effect for Maryland waters Wednesday.

The watch calls for scattered severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and large hail.

The most likely time for severe thunderstorms is between 2 and 9 p.m., according to weather officials.

SEE ALSO: Severe Thunderstorm Warning For 3 Counties, 1 City

Included in the watch area are Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's and Washington counties as well as Baltimore City.

A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favorable for the development of storms including hail that is 1 inch in diameter and/or winds greater than 58 mph.

To Report Power Outages:

• BGE: Call 877-778-2222 to report outages; report sparking lines at 800-685-0123 or 410-685-0123. See outage.
• Delmarva Power: Call to report outages at 1-800-898-8042.
• First Energy: Call 1-888-544-4877 to report outages.
• PEPCO: Call 1-877-737-2662 to report outages. See outage map. Report downed wires to 202-872-3432.

Given severe weather on the horizon, Maryland Fire Marshal Brian Geraci issued a series of suggestions to protect people who may lose power during the storm.

"These easy-to-follow tips will help all Marylanders avoid injury or death during power outages,” Geraci said in a statement.

• Use flashlights instead of candles and keep fresh batteries on hand.
• Consider flameless battery-operated candles if you prefer the flickering look of candles. Charged solar landscape lighting can be brought indoors for temporary lighting as an alternative to candles as well.
• If you do use real candles, ensure they are in holders that will not tip over or burn; keep candles away from clothing, books, papers, curtains, decorations or anything else that can burn; and put them out before leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Do not use candles, matches or lighters if medical oxygen therapy is used in the home.
• Make sure burners on electric stoves are off during an outage. Remove items from the stovetop.
• The State Fire Marshal offers one final tip that is just as important. “Make sure your home is equipped with working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. These early notification devices are some of the most effective fire and life safety tools for preventing injury or death from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning."

Image via Shutterstock.