Tropical Storm Hermine Forecast: Wind, Rain Expected in Virginia, DC and Maryland

As Tropical Storm Hermine works through Georgia and the Carolinas Friday, forecasters in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore region are hoping that the forecast plays out as predicted and significant impacts are avoided this weekend.

"It is important to note that the confidence in the forecast is highly uncertain at this time," according to the statement from local forecasters at the National Weather Service. "It is possible that Hermine may be closer to the Mid-Atlantic Coast or even along it. If this occurs, then that will have a significant impact on the forecast with stronger winds and heavier rainfall."

Hurricane Hermine made landfall at about 2 a.m. Friday near Saint Marks, Florida. As of 8 a.m., now-Tropical Storm Hermine was located about 35 miles northeast of Valdosta, Georgia. The storm’s maximum sustained winds had decreased to 60 mph after its brush with the Sunshine State. Hermine was moving north-northeast at 14 mph.

The projected path takes the storm through the Carolinas and out to the Atlantic near the Outer Banks by Saturday morning.

But the forecast grows unclear from there, with the potential for the storm to stall off the Mid-Atlantic coast into early next week, according to the weather service.

According to forecasters, most of the impact in the region will be east of Interstate 95, and especially across eastern Maryland. Little impact is expected on the western end of the region, but the weather service stresses that could change with any slight change in the storm's course.

Winds may be the most notable impact from the storm. Strongest winds for the region will be across far eastern Maryland, with gusts up to 45 mph. Most of the area will see wind gusts peaking at below 30 mph.

Rains from the storm are expected in southern Maryland by Saturday morning and could reach the D.C. and Baltimore metro areas. The heaviest rain will fall Saturday before tapering off Saturday night, according to the weather service.

Depending on where the storm slows in the Atlantic, additional rain bands are possible Sunday. The metro areas would see up to a third of an inch of rain. "Any shift in track could lead to significant changes," the weather service cautions.

Includes reporting by Sherri Lonon

Images courtesy of the National Hurricane Center