Outer Loop I-495 Lanes Reopen At American Legion Bridge

Updated at 4:30 p.m.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — All southbound lanes of Interstate 495 at the American Legion Bridge have reopened.

Authorities confirmed just before 4:30 p.m. that lane closures had been lifted. However, significant traffic delays persist in the area.

An earlier alert issued by authorities urged drivers to seek alternative routes.

Standing water has proved a serious concern for officials throughout the day.

High Water Closes 3 Lanes On I-270

Three southbound Interstate 270 lanes were closed Monday after a band of severe storms pummeled the region with heavy rain.

The road closures were in effect on the three southbound right lanes at Tuckerman Lane until about 3:10 p.m.

The Maryland Department of Transportation urged drivers to expect significant delays.

Related:

• Tornado Watch Issued For 16 MD Counties, Baltimore City
• DC-Area Federal Agencies Change Operating Status Due To Severe Weather

Forecasters are warning the area will experience significant thunderstorms throughout the day that could bring a mix of hail, tornadoes, and wind gusts of about 80 mph across the region.

Multiple school districts across the state issued early dismissals for schools and shortened operating hours for federal and state agencies.

A total of 16 Maryland counties, plus Baltimore City, have been placed under a tornado watch until at least 7 p.m. The worst of the storms is expected between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., raising serious concerns for the afternoon commute.

Stay with Patch for the latest developments.