Nor'easter Brings MD Storms, Flooding Chances: Latest Updates

MARYLAND — While parts of the Northeast are flashing back to winter with snow, Maryland has received plenty of April showers, enough to pose a flooding risk. A flood watch is in place for the Baltimore-DC region, and a flood warning has been issued for three counties and the city of Baltimore.

A nor’easter with soaking rain is bringing the chance of flooding to the East Coast from southern New England to the Mid-Atlantic, according to AccuWeather. Forecasters say the lingering rain has caused streams to rise and the risk of urban and flash flooding to increase.

The flood warning is in effect until 5:45 p.m. Wednesday for parts of central and northern Maryland, including Anne Arundel, Howard and Baltimore counties and Baltimore City.

Streams continue to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall. At 11:37 a.m., Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated between 1.5 and 2.5 inches of rain have fallen with flooding ongoing or expected soon in the warned area. Additional rainfall of a half-inch to 1.5 inches are possible, the NWS said.

Through Tuesday, AccuWeather said a "stalled front and disturbances moving along the front" caused the continued rainfall. A "powerful coastal storm" is causing the rain to carry on Wednesday.

In the Baltimore-DC region, the National Weather Service expects multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms through late Wednesday afternoon. That could bring 1 to 2 more inches of rain and localized amounts up to 3 inches. Flash flooding is not ruled out.

"A cold front will sweep through the area later today, bringing renewed chances for strong to severe thunderstorms," the National Weather Service said. "Main threats will be damaging winds, large hail and isolated to scattered instances of flooding. An isolated tornado is also possible."

A flood watch is in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday for areas including: the District of Columbia, Carroll, Baltimore, Prince George's, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Howard and Harford counties. Cities in the watch include: Germantown, Greenbelt, Westminster, College Park, Annapolis, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Rockville, Odenton, Clinton, Bethesda, Suitland-Silver Hill, Jarrettsville, Aberdeen, Severn, Columbia, Cockeysville, Eldersburg, Severna Park, Glen Burnie, Frederick, Reisterstown, Baltimore, Ellicott City, Laurel, Bowie and Arnold.

A flood watch means flooding from excess rainfall could happen. Flooding is more likely to occur in rivers, creeks, streams, poor drainage areas, urban areas, low-lying areas and flood-prone areas.

Forecasters are monitoring conditions in rivers and streams, including the Potomac River at Little Falls affecting central and southeast Montgomery County, as well as northwest Montgomery County and Point of Rocks affecting Frederick.

As of 4:45 a.m. Wednesday, the Potomac River at Little Falls was at 5.3 feet. The flood stage is at 10 feet. Forecasters believe this area could reach the flood stage at some point.

The National Weather Service encourages residents to monitor forecasts in case a flood warning is issued. Those living in flood-prone areas should take actions to prepare.

Here's the latest Maryland forecast from the National Weather Service:

Wednesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 59. Northeast wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Wednesday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1am, then isolated showers between 1am and 2am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 46. Northwest wind 5 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly after 2pm. Some of the storms could produce small hail. Partly sunny, with a high near 62. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a chance of showers between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. West wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday: A chance of showers, mainly after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 58. Northwest wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday Night: A chance of showers before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 41.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 66.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 45.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 68.