Flash Flood Watch Issued In Maryland

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for parts of Maryland, D.C. and Virginia. The watch is in effect Friday from noon until midnight.

Slow-moving thunderstorms that may be accompanied by heavy rain are in the forecast. Weather officials said these storms may develop through Friday afternoon and evening, causing low-lying areas to flood.

• Flood Warning Issued For Baltimore, Anne Arundel
• Flash Flooding In Harford: 'Stay Off The Roads,' Sheriff Says
• Flood Warning In Howard County
• See a map of the latest warnings and watches from the National Weather Service.

A flash flood watch means there is the potential for flash flooding, or a rapid rise in water level over a short period of time that can be life-threatening.

These areas are under the flash flood watch:

• Anne Arundel County
• Baltimore City
• Baltimore County
• Frederick County
• Carroll County
• Harford County
• Howard County
• Montgomery County
• Prince George's County

Roads and poorly drained areas can quickly become inundated during a flash flood. Streams and creeks could leave their banks, flooding nearby properties. Residents should monitor the forecast and be prepared to take action if a flash flood warning is issued, according to the National Weather Service.

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The National Weather Service noted these cities were under the flash flood watch: Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Eldersburg, Westminster, Reisterstown, Cockeysville, Baltimore, Bowie, Suitland-Silver Hill, Clinton, College Park, Greenbelt, Laurel, Camp Springs, Glen Burnie, Annapolis, Severn, South Gate, Severna Park, Arnold, Odenton, Germantown, Damascus, Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Lisbon, Columbia, Ellicott City, Jarrettsville, Aberdeen, Washington, Reston, Herndon, Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, McLean, Franconia, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church.

Cecil County as well as parts of Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania are under a hazardous weather outlook.

Showers and thunderstorms in these areas — including the Eastern Shore and Delaware beaches — may produce heavy downpours Friday that could lead to localized flooding, according to the National Weather Service. There is a moderate risk for dangerous rip currents along the New Jersey shore and the Delaware Beaches through Friday evening, weather officials advise.

SEE ALSO: Chance Of Showers In Maryland Forecast Over Labor Day Weekend

Graphic via National Weather Service.