Severe Weather in Anne Arundel and Prince George's

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch Saturday afternoon for much of Maryland including Anne Arundel and Prince George's counties. The watch is in effect until 9 p.m. Saturday.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) website, tornadoes may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms within a funnel of air that extends from the ground. The average tornado moves from southwest to northeast, but tornadoes can move in any direction and can suddenly change their direction of motion, according to the site.

Roger Edwards, with NOAA's storm prediction center, recommends the following tips when dealing with a potential tornado:

• In a house with a basement, you should avoid windows and relocate to the basement, getting under under sturdy protection such as a heavy table or work bench. You also can cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag. Make sure you know where very heavy objects rest on the floor above you in the home, such as pianos, refrigerators, water beds, etc., and do not situate yourself under them.
• In a house with no basement, a dorm or an apartment, make sure to avoid windows. Relocate to the lowest floor, a small room such as a bathroom or closet, get under a stairwell or stay in an interior hallway with no windows. Crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down; and cover your head with your hands. Even in an interior room, you should cover yourself with some sort of thick padding to protect against falling debris in case the roof and ceiling give way.

Additionally, the weather service issued a coastal flood warning in both Anne Arundel and Prince George's counties, which is in effect until 11 a.m. Sunday. The tide is anticipated to be 2 to 3 feet above normal, according to the weather service.

A coastal flood warning means that coastal residents in the potentially impacted area should be on the alert for rising water and take appropriate action to protect their property and themselves, according to the weather service.

Editor's Note: This story has been revised. An earlier version stated incorrectly type of severe weather alert. It is a tornado watch.