A tornado watch has been issued for much of Maryland today. The storms are expected to move in from the east and push northeast at 40 mph, so it is recommended that people in the affected areas take cover in buildings with low ceilings, and stay away from windows. The storms will enter the Beltway after noon and bring heavy rains, gusty winds and lightning. While damaging winds are possible, there is a low risk of casualties.
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for many counties in Maryland, including Baltimore City and the surrounding area. The watch is in effect until 10 p.m. on Thursday. Tornadoes are possible, but the National Weather Service does not guarantee that one will occur. If one does occur, a tornado warning will be issued. The National Weather Service says there are three main causes for a tornado watch: a moving storm system, warm air, and unstable atmospheric conditions.
This storm system is coming from the southwest and sweeping northeast through the region. It is expected to produce damaging wind gusts, large hail, and tornadoes. By 2 p.m., the storm system will clear over the Chesapeake Bay, but may return later in the afternoon. During this time, temperatures will remain in the 70s. While this may not seem like a huge threat, it’s a good idea to stay aware of the potential for damaging winds.
While a tornado watch is generally less dangerous than a tornado warning, the storms may still produce damage, particularly in rural areas. If you’re in the path of a tornado, seek shelter in a safe place – a basement or interior room without windows. Flooding is also a possibility. The rainfall may be anywhere from one to two inches. Some areas may get more than three inches of rain.
Storms are also moving into Virginia. Severe thunderstorms have already been reported there, and the storms are expected to intensify as they move toward the Washington area. The storms will move east of Interstate 95 and hit the D.C. metro sometime between 10 and 11 a.m. The storms are bringing damaging winds and a few tornadoes, and a tornado warning has been issued for much of Virginia.
After the midday wave of storms, more storms will move into the area. Some of these could be severe and dangerous. Another round of storms may be scattered after sunset and are possible after dark. Another round of storms could hit after sunset, bringing even more severe threats.
While no tornadoes are expected, damaging winds and flash flooding are just some of the other severe threats. So, while severe storms and flooding are possible, make sure you stay safe this weekend and take extra precautions.
A tornado watch has been issued for parts of District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia until 2 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/g4lj0QsveT
— NWS Tornado (@NWStornado) May 27, 2022
