Severe Thunderstorms Across Maryland May Snarl Afternoon Commute

Storms are on the way, Maryland.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning, in effect until 3:30 p.m. for Anne Arundel and Prince George's counties. A severe thunderstorm was spotted near Odenton, heading east, just after 2:45 p.m., the weather service reported.

A severe thunderstorm warning was in effect until 2:45 p.m. for Montgomery and Prince George's counties. The National Weather Service said winds greater than 60 mph were expected from the storm, which was detected in the Bethesda/Chevy Chase area around 2:20 p.m. Southern Howard was under the warning, but the weather service expired Howard's warning at approximately 2:30 p.m.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for most of the state: Baltimore City plus 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, Wicomico and Washington counties.

Damaging winds and heavy downpours are possible. The severe thunderstorm watch is in effect from 1:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15.

A flash flood watch is in effect until 10 p.m. for Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's counties, according to the National Weather Service. The District of Columbia and Northern Virginia are also under the flash flood watch.

One to two inches of rain in this afternoon's storms are all that may be required to send some areas into flash flood conditions, according to the weather service, due to recent rainfall.

Do not attempt to cross roads that appear covered by water; turn around—don't drown.