Flood Warning In Effect In Central Maryland, Outages Reported

BALTIMORE, MD — More than 4,800 households are without power before 8 p.m. Tuesday in central Maryland, BGE reported, following a round of severe thunderstorms that hit Baltimore County, Harford County and Baltimore City.

A severe thunderstorm warning expired at 7:45 p.m. but the National Weather Service advised scattered storms were possible Tuesday night in central Maryland.

The following areas were experiencing outages, according to BGE:

• Baltimore County — 2,318
• Baltimore City — 2,058
• Anne Arundel County — 268
• Howard County — 168
• Harford County — 60

A flood warning is in effect until 12:45 a.m. Wednesday for Baltimore County and Baltimore City.

About 1.5 inches of rain was measured in several parts of the region, officials said. While heavy rain had moved out of the area by 7:45 p.m., authorities reported flooding was imminent or occurring. These areas may be prone to flooding in low-lying areas, according to the warning: Baltimore, Pikesville, Towson, Catonsville, Woodlawn, Lochearn and Arbutus.

When coming across flooded roads, drivers and pedestrians should turn around — don't drown.

(EXPIRED as of 7:45 p.m.) — A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect in Baltimore and Harford counties as well as Baltimore City. Weather officials say cloud-to-ground lightning is occurring. Quarter-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts are also accompanying the storms rolling through Tuesday night.

The severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 7:45 p.m. Tuesday.

Radar showed a severe thunderstorm over Towson that was moving northeast at 25 mph before 7 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

During the severe thunderstorm warning period, people should go inside to stay safe from wind, lightning and falling branches.

"Move indoors immediately," the National Weather Service warned around 7 p.m. "Lightning is one of nature`s leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning."

Do not drive underneath wooded areas until the threat has passed, as trees and branches may fall. Roads may become blocked by downed trees, and localized power outages are possible, according to the warning.

These areas may be affected, according to the severe thunderstorm warning: Baltimore, Cockeysville, Towson, Bel Air South, Parkville, Bel Air North, Carney, Perry Hall, Mays Chapel, Timonium, White Marsh, Fallston, Riverside, Hampton, Kingsville, Pleasant Hills, Jarrettsville, Lutherville-Timonium, Edgewood and Joppatowne.

Earlier, radar showed a severe thunderstorm over Woodlawn at 6:37 p.m. that was moving northeast at 25 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Officials said 60 mph winds and quarter-sized hail were also detected then.

Radar showed slow-moving thunderstorms with heavy rain moving through the area after 7 p.m., according to weather officials. Up to an inch of rain had already fallen by 7:06 p.m., authorities reported, and about 0.5 to 1 inch more could fall.

These locations may flood: Baltimore, Pikesville, Towson, Catonsville, Woodlawn, Milford Mill, Lochearn and Arbutus.