MD Weather: Heavy Rains, 55 MPH Winds In Tuesday's Forecast

MARYLAND — Get ready for heavy rain, flash and coastal flooding, and damaging winds topping 50 miles per hour, Maryland.

A strong winter storm will blow into the state on Tuesday and dump more than 3 inches of rain on parts of Maryland, much of the rain falling in a six-hour period in the early evening. The downpours Tuesday evening will be blinding, with the potential for flash flooding, according to forecasts.

The expected rain will follow another major storm this past weekend that brought mostly rain to central Maryland.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for parts of Maryland from 1 p.m. on Tuesday through 7 a.m. on Wednesday.

Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations, the NWS said. Residents should expect rainfall totals of two to three inches, with localized amounts up to four inches possible.

A coastal Maryland flood watch will be in effect through late Tuesday night. Residents should expect 2 to 3 feet of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas in southern Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties due to tidal flooding, the NWS said.

Floodwaters could affect numerous roads in Annapolis and on the Naval Academy Campus, along with structures throughout the neighboring area. At 5.0 feet, several roads in downtown Baltimore are flooded, along with the Pier 4 promenade on the east side, and much of the lower Inner Harbor area, the NWS said.

"Since the drought is over, the ground has been saturated," WJZ News reported Monday. "6 hour flash flood guidance indicates that just 1.5 inches of rain in less than 6 hours will cause flash flooding in the urban corridor between DC and Baltimore. This means many urban areas will experience flooding Tuesday evening and night. Road closures and disruptions are likely if these amounts are verified."

WJZ News forecasters noted that the Baltimore area did not experience much stream or river flooding in 2023. "Different story with this storm. Streams and rivers are at capacity from recent heavy rains events and upstream snow/ice melt to our north will contribute to potential flooding," the forecasters said.

Strong winds, with gusts as high as 65 mph, could cause tree damage and power outages. The NWS has issued a wind advisory for 3 p.m. on Tuesday until 1 a.m. on Wednesday.

"While those higher end gusts shouldn't be widespread, there could be a few reports of them. The best chance of 60 to 70 mph gusts would be eastern shore communities, especially closer to the beaches," WJZ News said.

The winds will be strongest from early Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning. In and around Baltimore, 50 to 55 mph gusts are possible.

"Tree and property damage are likely. Large tree limbs may come crashing down on sidewalks, vehicles, homes and businesses without notice," AccuWeather forecasters said Monday. "Trash cans and other unsecured items in neighborhoods may become projectiles."

Winds will remain gusty on Wednesday, as the rain ends. The next chance of rain in Maryland is Friday afternoon.

Here is a look at the forecast for Maryland through the end of the work week from the National Weather Service:

Monday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37.

Tuesday: Rain after 8 a.m. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 60. Breezy, with a southeast wind 7 to 12 mph increasing to 18 to 23 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 37 mph. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Tuesday night: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 48. Windy, with a southeast wind 20 to 30 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Wednesday: Rain likely, mainly before 8 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 52. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph.

Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 53.

Thursday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 36.

Friday: A chance of rain after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 54.

Friday night: Rain, mainly after 8pm. Low around 45. Breezy.