Severe Thunderstorm Warning Expires In Harford County

A severe thunderstorm warning has expired Saturday afternoon in Harford County; and so has a special marine warning for the Chesapeake Bay.

The National Weather Service issued the severe thunderstorm warning from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17. It called for 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-sized hail.

After 2 p.m., radar indicated a severe thunderstorm was near Bel Air, or 7 miles northwest of Aberdeen, and it was moving southeast at 35 mph, according to the weather service.

A special marine warning was issued until 3:30 p.m. for the Chesapeake Bay north of Pooles Island, due to a strong thunderstorm over Havre de Grace, moving southeast at 10 knots, officials said.

Radar indicated wind gusts 34 knots or greater and small hail, and the winds could throw boaters overboard or capsize their vessels, according to the warning.

Boaters should move to safe harbor, particularly due to frequent lightning, the warning said.

Anyone caught on the open water should stay below deck if possible and away from ungrounded
metal objects.

During the severe thunderstorm warning period, people were advised to go inside to stay safe from wind and 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 objects that have not been secured may go flying.

These locations may be impacted, the severe thunderstorm warning said: Aberdeen, Havre de Grace, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Bel Air South, Bel Air North, Riverside, Perryman, Edgewood, Darlington, Churchville, Carsins, Scarboro, Harford Furnace, Abingdon, Hickory and Belcamp.

People in these areas should move inside and go to the lowest floor of a building, in an interior room.