Flood Watch Issued As Multiple Rounds Of Storms Threaten MD

Updated at 2:30 p.m. ET

MARYLAND — A flood watch for seven Maryland counties was issued by the National Weather Service Monday afternoon as severe storms are expected. Baltimore, Cecil, Prince George's, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Howard and Harford.

The flood watch is in effect from 5 p.m. through Tuesday at 2 a.m., according to the National Weather Service, which also said isolated large hail is possible.

"Isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon into this evening, with some areas likely to experience multiple rounds of storms," the NWS said. "Damaging wind gusts will be the main threat, with isolated large hail possible. An isolated tornado can't be ruled out either."

"Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations," the NWS said. "Anomalous moisture will overspread the region of a cold front that will pass through tonight."

Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are possible Monday evening and overnight. Rain rates of more than two inches per hour are possible, the NWS said.

WBAL-TV meteorologist Chelsea Ingram said a strong cold front is expected to come through Maryland late Monday afternoon and into the evening.

“That’s going to help ignite and trigger some stronger thunderstorms, some of which could turn severe,” Ingram said.

The main risk is damaging winds, but there could be large hail as well as an isolated tornado, she said. “ I don’t want to rule that out,” she added.

The NWS's Storm Prediction Center has placed Maryland under a slight risk (level 2/5) as damaging winds will be the main threat. Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding concerns, while large-sized hail and an isolated tornado is not out of the question, WMAR's Stevie Daniels said Monday morning.

A second round of storms lingers Tuesday, with the greatest potential for severe storms south and east of I-95.

After the storms leave on Tuesday, Maryland will experience several days in a row of sunshine, with little chance of rain or storms, according to forecasters.

Here is a look at the National Weather Service forecast for Maryland for the week:

Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming southeast 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.

Monday night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 3 a.m., then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 3 a.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Tuesday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89.

Tuesday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 84.

Wednesday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 87.

Thursday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 71.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 87.