Updated at 4:55 p.m.
BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — A tornado watch is in effect Tuesday for Baltimore County as severe thunderstorm conditions move into the region.
The tornado watch, running until 10 p.m., replaces a severe thunderstorm and flood watch that covered the county. The flood watch had been in place through 2 a.m. Wednesday.
An advisory issued by the agency states thunderstorms could produce hourly rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches, with higher rain totals in isolated areas.
"Strong thunderstorms will track across the area with a humid
air mass supporting torrential downpours. These will be capable of producing flash flooding," reads the alert.
"The most vulnerable locations would be urbanized areas along Interstate 95 as well as areas which have experienced heavy rainfall in recent days."
An updated NWS timeline puts thunderstorms arriving during the start of the afternoon commute around 4 p.m. and staying in the region through at least 10 p.m.
Damaging wind gusts potentially coming in with a force of more than 60 mph also remain a concern for authorities.
Between the heavy rainfall bursts and strong winds, meteorologists have warned of possible downed trees and power lines.
Commuters are being urged to be cautious and avoid driving through any flooded roadways.
Tuesday Afternoon: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 4 p.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., then showers and thunderstorms after 5 p.m. Some of the storms could be severe. High near 85. Southwest wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tuesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10 p.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Low around 67. South wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Wednesday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 85. West wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Northwest wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday: A slight chance of showers between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Northwest wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 87.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 88.
Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Sunday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
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