Severe storms and flooding hit Maryland from Western counties to the Bay

Heavy thunderstorms swept across Maryland Thursday, triggering flash flood warnings, flood watches, and severe thunderstorm watches covering most of the state from the Western mountains to the Chesapeake shoreline.

What’s Happening: The National Weather Service has issued a range of active alerts affecting nearly every region of Maryland. Severe thunderstorm watches remain in effect until 10 p.m. for the majority of the state.

Active alerts by region:

• Western Maryland (Allegany, Garrett, Washington counties): A flood watch runs until 7 p.m. Thunderstorms capable of dropping 1 to 3 inches of rain per hour are possible, with rapid rises expected on creeks and streams.
• Central Maryland and Baltimore region (Anne Arundel, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, Washington counties): A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 10 p.m.
• Frederick County: A flood warning was in effect until 5 p.m. after 1 to 3 inches of rain fell. Several roads closed due to standing water, mostly at low-water crossings. Affected areas include the city of Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Braddock Heights, New Market, Adamstown, and Buckeystown.
• Baltimore County and Baltimore City: A flash flood warning runs until 7:15 p.m. Up to 2 inches of rain have already fallen, with an additional 1 to 2 inches possible. Flood-prone roads include North Point Boulevard near Kane Street, Pulaski Highway at Herring Run, and Golden Ring Road between Race Road and Orems Road. Affected communities include Middle River, Dundalk, Essex, Rosedale, White Marsh, and Edgemere.
• Eastern Shore (Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, Worcester counties): A severe thunderstorm watch runs until 10 p.m. Dorchester, Somerset, and Wicomico counties are also under a coastal flood statement until 2 a.m. Friday, with up to half a foot of inundation possible near shorelines and tidal waterways beginning at 7 p.m.
• Anne Arundel County: A coastal flood advisory runs from 11 p.m. tonight through 5 a.m. Friday. About one foot of inundation above ground level is expected in low-lying areas. Water may pond in the parking lot at Annapolis City Dock and surround the Alex Haley Memorial around the 2:13 a.m. high tide.

What’s Important: The flash flood warning for Baltimore City and southeastern Baltimore County is the most urgent active alert. Flooding is already occurring or expected to begin shortly in those areas. The National Weather Service warns that most flood deaths happen in vehicles.

How this affects real people: Drivers across the state should avoid flooded roads. Several roads in Frederick County are already closed. Specific flood-prone roads in the Baltimore area are identified above. Anne Arundel County residents near the waterfront should expect tidal flooding overnight and take steps to protect property.

The National Weather Service advises: turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads.