Flooding, Gusty Winds In Weekend MD Forecast

MARYLAND — A strengthening storm system will arrive in Maryland this weekend, with waves of steady rain and gusty winds Sunday afternoon and evening, according to forecasters.

Most of the rain will fall Sunday evening, causing flooding in poor drainage areas. But moderate to severe drought conditions in many parts of Maryland could help to absorb a lot of the rain, forecasters said.

"The heavier and more disruptive bands of rain are expected to arrive Sunday evening and night as the storm continues to strengthen and approaches our area," WJZ News reported Friday morning. "Most people should be home during the worst weather conditions Sunday evening and night, which would limit widespread impacts."

The Ravens game against the Rams in Baltimore Sunday afternoon will likely be a wet one, so fans should dress appropriately for the conditions.

Along the East Coast, from the Mid-Atlantic to New England, "high winds in the lower part of the atmosphere may be dragged down to ground and sea surface level in the form of powerful gusts ranging from 40-60 mph along the Interstate-95 zone from Sunday afternoon to Sunday night," AccuWeather Meteorologist Grady Gilman said Friday.

The heavy rain and strong winds also are likely to cause "significant ground and air travel delays" through Sunday night, Gilman said.

Before the storm arrives on Sunday, Marylanders can expect a couple of tranquil and above-average mild days on Friday and Saturday.

When Sunday comes around, downpours and thunder will likely occur later in the day. Temperatures are expected to reach into the mid-60s on Sunday.

"Evening heavy rain is possible with some wind gusts around 30 mph and perhaps a rumble of thunder as the front passes through," the Capital Weather Gang said. "Minor flooding can’t be ruled out, nor can a rumble and a thunderstorm."

WBAL-TV meteorologist Ava Marie suggested residents focus on clearing out their gutters and storm drains on Friday and Saturday to prepare for the storm on Sunday.

"Expect rain in the afternoon during the Ravens game and then the rain is heavy for Sunday night," Marie said.

Drier, but colder temperatures, will arrive on Monday and continue for most of next week.

Here is a look at the forecast for Maryland for the weekend and early next week from the National Weather Service:

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.

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

Saturday: Patchy fog between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 56.

Saturday night: A chance of showers after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.

Sunday: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 4 p.m. High near 64. South wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Sunday night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1 a.m., then rain, mainly after 1am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 37.

Monday: Rain likely before 7 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 44. Breezy.

Monday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 27.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 45.