Storm Expected To Bring Heavy Rain, Winds To MD: See Latest Track, Forecast

MARYLAND — Forecasters are continuing to monitor a potential tropical threat that could bring gale-force winds and heavy rain to Maryland and other states along the East Coast.

A tropical depression and/or tropical storm could form along the southeast U.S. coast from Friday to Saturday, according to forecasters with the National Weather Service and AccuWeather. A stalled weather pattern could allow for the system to form, AccuWeather explained.

"Stalled fronts along the southeastern coast of the United States are one way a 'homebrew' tropical system can form," said AccuWeather’s Chief On-Air Meteorologist, Bernie Rayno.

AccuWeather also said there is a possibility that storms rolling in from the Midwest could pull in moisture from the developing Atlantic system, enhancing the rainfall.

The bulk of the rain will spread south to north “by late Friday evening through the overnight,” NWS forecasters said. The showers will linger through the day Saturday, and could be heavy at times.

Gale force wind gusts and heavy rains are likely to develop late Friday through early Sunday, according to NWS. This could lead to flooding on low-lying areas of the shoreline this weekend.

"Temperatures gradually warm through Thursday, with dry conditions expected," the NWS said Wednesday morning. "A system approaching from the coastal Carolinas will increase rain chances late Friday and into the weekend. There is continued uncertainty of where the heaviest rain will set up."

The exact track and strength of the storm "will determine who, where, and when gets the heaviest rain and strongest winds," WJZ News reported Wednesday morning. "Right now it appears the coast will receive the heaviest rain totals of 2-4 inches. Areas in and around Baltimore look to receive 1-2 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts."

The Capital Weather Gang reports confidence is high that heavy rain will affect the coastline, arriving first in the Carolinas on Friday into Friday night and then spreading northward, affecting parts of the Mid-Atlantic on Saturday into Sunday.

"Models have varied in their projections of how far inland the rain will spread. Some places might see 2 to 3 inches or more by Sunday, but models conflict on how far west meaningful precipitation will extend," the Capital Weather Gang said.

Here is a look at the National Weather Service forecast through the weekend in central Maryland:

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.

Wednesday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 82.

Thursday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 77.

Friday night: A chance of showers, mainly after 3 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Saturday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Breezy.

Saturday night: A chance of showers before 9 p.m., then a chance of rain after 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Sunday: A chance of rain before 3 p.m., then a chance of showers after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77.