MARYLAND — Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible across Maryland on Friday, with forecasters warning that damaging winds will be the primary severe weather threat during the afternoon and evening hours.
The National Weather Service‘s Storm Prediction Center has placed much of Maryland within a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe thunderstorms as a weather disturbance moves through the Mid-Atlantic region.
According to forecasters, scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop as daytime heating combines with a warm and humid air mass. Some storms may organize into clusters capable of producing damaging straight-line wind gusts, which could bring down trees, damage power lines and cause localized power outages.
The Storm Prediction Center also noted that isolated hail is possible in the strongest storms, although the overall threat remains secondary to damaging winds.
The greatest risk is expected from the afternoon through the early evening hours. Areas including Baltimore and surrounding communities are included within the broader severe weather risk zone stretching across much of the Mid-Atlantic.
Residents are encouraged to remain weather-aware throughout the day, monitor forecasts and have multiple ways to receive warnings as thunderstorms develop. Conditions are expected to improve later Friday night as storms move out of the region.
