Flash Flood Watch Issued For Most Of Maryland

MARYLAND — A flash flood watch has been issued for much of Maryland from Sunday to Monday morning. Several rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected to hit Sunday afternoon and continue into the evening that could lead to flash flooding, according to the National Weather Service.

Weather officials said that 1 to 3 inches of rain may fall during the watch period, with higher amounts possible in some areas. Isolated severe thunderstorms with strong wind gusts may also occur.

On Sunday, flooding was reported in Howard and Anne Arundel Counties:

• Flood Warning Issued For 2 Counties: Furnace Branch Road Closed
• High Water On Meadowridge Road Reported

Flash flooding is a dangerous condition that can be life-threatening. It occurs when there is a rapid rise in water level, usually due to a significant amount of rainfall in a short period of time. Drivers who encounter flooded roads should turn around; don't drown.

The following areas are under the flash flood watch from 2 p.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday:

• Allegany County
• Anne Arundel County
• Baltimore City
• Baltimore County
• Carroll County
• Charles County
• Frederick County
• Harford County
• Howard County
• Montgomery County
• Prince George's County
• St. Mary's County
• Washington County

Weather officials also issued a hazardous weather outlook indicating that main stem rivers (those that flow downstream) may flood from Monday to Tuesday.

In other parts of the state, the weather service reports the rain will start later on Sunday, so some areas are under a separate flash flood watch.

The flash flood watch period is from 6 p.m. Sunday to 2 a.m. Monday in these areas:

• Caroline County
• Cecil County
• Delaware beaches
• Kent County
• Queen Anne's County
• Talbot County

Weather officials say 1 to 2 inches of rainfall is expected in the locations listed above, with rain starting in the afternoon Sunday and getting heavier into the evening and overnight hours.

The flash flood watches come as Maryland dries out from Saturday's rainfall, which led to flash flooding in Ocean City and closed roads, including the heavily traveled Coastal Highway. Three people in Baltimore were also reportedly struck by lightning Saturday during an afternoon thunderstorm.

• Ocean City Floods, Hazardous Weather Outlook Issued In Maryland
• 3 People Struck By Lightning At Patterson Park

People on the water should also take caution on Sunday. Boaters are under a small craft advisory from 6 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday with winds from 18 to 33 knots forecast.

See your local forecast here from the National Weather Service.

Graphic showing the areas under the flash flood watch from Sunday, June 10, to Monday, June 11, 2018, courtesy of the National Weather Service.