Weather Alert: Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued For Region

BALTIMORE, MD — The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the city of Baltimore and nearby Maryland counties until 10:15 a.m. Friday. At 9:20 a.m., severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Crofton to near South River, moving northeast at 40 mph.

The severe thunderstorm warning affects eastern Baltimore City, northeastern Anne Arundel County, south central Harford County and southeastern Baltimore County. There are 60 mph wind gusts possible during the warning period, according to the weather service. Damaging winds may cause trees and large branches to fall, damaging homes and vehicles. Roads may be blocked, and power outages are possible.

Areas included in the severe thunderstorm warning are Baltimore, Annapolis, Crofton, Middle River, Riviera Beach, Mayo, Naval Academy, Severn River, South River, Fort Smallwood State Park, Gibson Island, Bodkin Point, Sillery Bay, Millers Island, North Point State Park, Sparrows Point, Pinehurst, Back River, Glen Burnie and Dundalk.

When severe weather is possible, you should keep an eye to the sky and an ear to the National Weather Service’s weather radio or local radio and television stations for further updates and possible warnings.

Get indoors to protect yourself from wind and lightning. Trees around you may be downed from damaging winds, so if you are near large trees, move to an interior room on the lowest floor. Don't drive underneath trees or in wooded areas until the threat has passed.

Intense thunderstorm lines can produce brief tornadoes and widespread significant wind damage. Although a tornado is not immediately likely, it is best to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. These storms may cause serious injury and significant property damage.

A gale warning is in effect Friday for the Chesapeake Bay from Sandy Point to Smith Point and for the Potomac River from Indian Head to Smith Point.

An isolated thunderstorm capable of producing strong winds is possible over the waters today and this evening.

And a coastal flood advisory for Anne Arundel County, including the city of Annapolis, is in effect until 11 a.m. Saturday. Tides are expected to be about a foot and a half higher than normal at high tide. Water is expected to pond in the parking lot at Annapolis City Dock, and minor shoreline flooding is possible elsewhere, the Weather Service says.

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