Strong Storm To Hit MD Ahead Of Halloween: See Latest Forecast

A strong storm system, fueled by a blast of cold air and energy from Hurricane Melissa as it heads out into the Atlantic, will bring up to 3 inches of rain to parts of Maryland just ahead of Halloween, according to the latest forecasts.

The good news is the storm is likely to move out of the state in time for Friday night trick-or-treating; however, Maryland will feel the brunt of the storm on the two days leading up to the holiday, according to the National Weather Service.

By mid-morning Wednesday, light showers and sprinkles are expected to move into the state, mainly west of U.S. Route 15, NWS forecasters said. Scattered showers will then develop from south to north in the afternoon.

A coastal flood advisory is in effect until 7 p.m. Thursday, and a high surf advisory is in place until 4 p.m. Thursday for Maryland's beach areas, the National Weather Service said. Large breaking waves of 7 to 9 feet are possible in the surf zone, with one foot of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways.

Maryland is likely to see the most rain Wednesday night into Thursday, according to the NWS. Generally, 1 to 2 inches of rain is forecast, although some locations may receive slightly less, and areas at higher elevations could see up to 3 inches.

"More consistent showers get going this evening, especially after 8 or 9 p.m., then rain is heavy at times overnight with lows in the upper 40s to low 50s," The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang said in its latest forecast. "Winds ramp up from the northeast (on Wednesday) with some gusts near 30 mph."

Rain is expected to continue on Thursday, and some thunderstorms are possible, forecasters said.

"The rain should taper from west to east between roughly 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. with highs in the low to mid-60s," the Capital Weather Gang wrote. "Gusty morning winds from the east should ease a bit during the afternoon as they start to come from the south."

The incoming storm is also expected to continue eroding beaches from the Carolinas to New England, and it could impact travel in several mid-Atlantic states.

"The combination of drenching rain and gusty winds will slow motorists on the highways and can lead to airline delays in a busy corridor from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New York City and Boston," AccuWeather forecasters said.

For those heading out with their little goblins and ghouls for trick-or-treating on Halloween, you're in luck. The coming storm should move out of Maryland by Friday, giving way to cool, clear conditions. The wind could pose the biggest challenge, with gusts between 25 and 35 mph predicted.

Here's a look at the detailed National Weather Service forecast for the Baltimore region:

Wednesday: Scattered showers, mainly between 1pm and 5pm. Cloudy, with a high near 57. Northeast wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday Night: Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 5am. Patchy fog after 5am. Low around 51. East wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.

Thursday: Rain and possibly a thunderstorm before 2pm, then showers likely, mainly between 2pm and 5pm. High near 66. East wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers, mainly before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 47. West wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 59. Breezy, with a west wind 14 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 60.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.