Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued For Maryland

MARYLAND — Much of the state is under a severe thunderstorm watch Tuesday. A watch means thunderstorms may develop that could produce damaging winds.

The greatest risk of damaging winds and severe thunderstorms is from 5 to 9 p.m., according to the National Weather Service, which has issued a hazardous weather outlook for the region.

These areas are included in the watch: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George's, Queen Anne's, Somerset, St. Mary's, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico and Worcester counties and Baltimore City.

The severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 11 p.m.

When a severe thunderstorm watch is issued, people can go about their normal activities, keeping an eye to the sky and an ear to the National Weather Service's weather radio or local media for updates and possible warnings. A severe thunderstorm is defined as producing hail the size of a quarter or larger and damaging wind gusts of at least 58 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters say the remnants of Laura may lead to damaging winds and organized severe thunderstorms on Saturday as well.