MARYLAND — Severe thunderstorm watches remain in effect across much of Maryland Saturday evening as strong storms move through the region with the potential to produce damaging winds, large hail, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall.
According to the National Weather Service, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 278 remains in effect until 8 p.m. for numerous counties in central, northern and southern Maryland. Counties included in the watch are Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s and Baltimore City.
Communities included in the watch area include Annapolis, Baltimore, Bowie, Catonsville, Columbia, Ellicott City, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Glen Burnie, Greenbelt, Leesburg-area commuters, Silver Spring, Towson and Westminster.
Meanwhile, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 281 remains in effect until 10 p.m. for Kent and Queen Anne’s counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, including the communities of Chestertown and Centreville.
Forecasters warn that storms moving through the watch areas may produce damaging wind gusts capable of downing trees and power lines, along with large hail and torrential rainfall that could lead to localized flooding.
Residents are encouraged to monitor weather conditions closely and be prepared to take shelter if severe thunderstorm warnings are issued for their area.
The watches remain in effect through the evening as thunderstorms continue to develop and move across Maryland.
