Severe Weather May Be Coming Our Way Saturday

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for a wide area across the mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States that includes Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. The watch is in effect until 10 p.m. Saturday.

The Maryland counties under the advisory include: Anne Arundel, Allegany, Baltimore, Baltimore City, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Queen Anne’s, St. Marys and Talbot.

Wunderground satellite weather map from 12:58 p.m.

At 2 p.m. on Saturday, the most active area of the storm was centered between Charleston, WV and Roanoke, VA.  The storm is moving in a North/Northeasterly direction. The NWS report said that the storms in the area are producing frequent “cloud to ground” lightning, heavy rain and strong winds with gusts of 40 to 50 MPH.

The NWS statement said that the storms have a history of widespread wind damage and ponding of water on roadways. Visibility for driving may be impaired if there is severe rain and/or hail.

In addition, the NWS alert stated:

“Tornadoes often form very rapidly from severe thunderstorms. If you are in a Tornado Watch… and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued for your area… monitor local conditions closely and be ready to take quick action to save your life.”

The storm may impact our area—or it may continue a more northerly track and miss us altogether.Remember that a watch means that conditions are ripe for dangerous weather.

Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) issued a media advisory that they have crews standing by should the severe weather cause power outages in the area:

“Customers are always reminded to stay away from downed power lines and to report them immediately by calling 800.685.0123.  Power outages should be reported by calling BGE’s automated system at 1-877-778-2222.  For more information about BGE storm preparation and how customers can protect their families and property, go to www.bge.com.”

Stay alert for changes in the forecast should the area be upgraded to a warning.