Thunderstorms With Hail, Heavy Rains Possible In MD To Start Weekend

Updated at 5:20 p.m.

MARYLAND — After severe thunderstorms smacked the Baltimore-Washington, D.C region Friday with strong winds and rain, another round of storms capable of producing damaging winds and large hail is possible on Saturday. It's all part of a multi-day storm front that has been battering the region intensifies, forecasters said.

A severe thunderstorm warning was in effect until 6:30 p.m. Friday for parts of the city of Baltimore, the District of Columbia, and Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery, Frederick, Harford, Baltimore, Prince George's and Cecil counties.

The National Weather Service said that at 5:14 p.m., severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Boyds to Countryside, moving east at 45 mph.

The storm is packing 70 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail.

A severe thunderstorm watch for the entire Baltimore-DC region except for Cecil County is in effect until 10 p.m. Friday. The National Weather Service said damaging wind gusts and large hail are the primary threats.

The watch includes the city of Baltimore plus Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, St. Marys and Washington counties.

"Isolated severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail and damaging winds
are possible this evening. An isolated instance of flooding may also occur," the agency said.

A flood warning continues for one Maryland river, and Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency to help western counties recover from catastrophic flooding.

Multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms are expected to hit the region after 5 p.m. through midnight. The Weather Service's Baltimore-Washington, D.C. office said light rain will ramp up to showers and then possibly thunderstorms after 5 p.m., and a second round will hit around midnight and again after 2 a.m.

Related: 200 Rescued From MD School As Floodwaters Climb: Latest Forecast

The flood warning continues for the Potomac River at Edwards Ferry affecting Montgomery County and other locations, including Paw Paw, Hancock, Shepherdstown, Harpers Ferry, Point of Rocks, Edwards Ferry, and Little Falls. Moderate flooding is ongoing, the NWS said.

On Tuesday, about 150 students and 50 adults were evacuated during 15 boat trips from Westernport Elementary School as floodwaters reached the second floor of the building in Allegany County. Homes and businesses in downtown Westernport were also inundated after hours of heavy rain.

Moore on Thursday declared a state of emergency to strengthen the state’s response to historic flood damage in western Maryland; he made the declaration during his visit to Allegany County.

“Today, our thoughts are with the Marylanders who have been directly impacted by this storm, and our gratitude is with all of the first responders, crisis managers, and public servants who raised their hands to support our people in a moment of need,” Moore said.

The next wave of storms are part of the remnants of a severe cross-country storm bearing potential tornadoes and 80 mile an hour wind gusts across the Midwest, Accuweather says.

"Part of this area may face a period of torrential downpours, high winds and localized hail," Accuweather adds.

While showers may be heavy at times, they're also expected to be scattered. Several hours of rainfall could be frequently punctuated by several hours of dry and still conditions over the coming days.

Here's the Maryland weather forecast through Monday evening, according to the National Weather Service:

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before midnight, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Light southwest wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 7am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7am and 2pm. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 85. West wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. West wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 76. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 75.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.

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