Cloud-To-Ground Lightning, 60 MPH Wind: Severe Thunderstorm Warning

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Storms in Baltimore County are strengthening Saturday afternoon, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a severe thunderstorm warning.

After 2:40 p.m., storms were on a line from Owings Mills to Catonsville, moving northeast at 25 mph, officials said. Radar indicated wind gusts of 60 mph and hail less than 0.75 inch.

Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning is occurring, officials said. People should move indoors immediately, forecasters said. Torrential downpours could lead to flash flooding, and ponding may occur on roads.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning from about 2:45 until 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, for Baltimore County and Baltimore City.

During the severe thunderstorm warning period, people should go inside to an interior room on the lowest floor to stay safe.

Wind may cause trees and large branches to fall, injuring people outside and damaging homes and vehicles. Roads could become blocked by fallen trees, and power outages are possible.

Before 2:30 p.m., radar indicated storms were on a line from Manchester to Reisterstown to Ellicott City to Fort Meade, officials said. The storms were moving northeast at 20 mph and carried gusty winds of 40 to 50 mph, pea-sized hail, frequent lightning and torrential downpours.

These areas may be impacted by the severe thunderstorm warning, officials said: Baltimore, Pikesville, Cockeysville, Towson, Catonsville, Woodlawn, Randallstown, Parkville, Owings Mills, Carney, Milford Mill, Perry Hall, Reisterstown, Lochearn, Rossville, Mays Chapel, Timonium, White Marsh, Fallston and Hampton.

These weather alerts have been issued by the National Weather Service:

• Hazardous weather outlook
• Severe thunderstorm warning in effect from 02:43 until 03:30 p.m.
• Short-term forecast