Potential heavy storms in Washington D.C. region today; Southern Maryland under tornado watch

Severe Weather Alert: Tornado Watch Issued for Southern Maryland and Virginia

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 7 p.m. Eastern time, covering eastern Virginia, Southern Maryland, and the Delmarva Peninsula. Notable areas include Richmond and Salisbury, Md. The watch does not extend to the Washington and Baltimore Beltway regions but includes locations to the south and southeast, such as Calvert and St. Mary’s counties in Maryland and King George County in Virginia’s Northern Neck.

Severe Storm Development Expected

The Storm Prediction Center anticipates scattered severe storm development this afternoon along and east of a surface front and deepening cyclone moving across Virginia. The storm environment is conducive to producing a mix of line segments and supercells capable of generating tornadoes, damaging gusts of 60-75 mph, and isolated large hail of 1-1.5 inches in diameter.

Impacts on D.C. and Baltimore Areas

While the immediate D.C. and Baltimore areas are not under the tornado watch, heavy downpours and gusty winds are still possible, with a flood watch in effect through the afternoon due to the existing saturated ground conditions.

Analysis by Severe Weather Expert Jeff Halverson

A southerly push of milder, more unstable air may erode the current chilly, rainy air mass, potentially leading to severe weather outbreaks. The presence of a potent jet stream and energy pocket in the atmosphere could further enhance the severe weather risk.

Main Severe Threats and Timing

The main severe threats include damaging winds and tornadoes, with the highest risk window from noon to 5 p.m. The potential for severe weather is greatest in southern/southeastern areas, including southern Prince George’s, southern Anne Arundel, Calvert, St. Mary’s, Charles, Stafford, and King George counties.

Flooding Concerns

Most of the region remains under a flood watch due to the potential for heavy rains of 1 to 2 inches per hour. The Weather Service warns of increased flooding risks as the ground has already been saturated by recent rainfall.

Summary of Severe Weather Threat

Timing for potential severe weather: Noon to 5 p.m.

Location of potential severe weather: Possible anywhere in the region, with a higher risk in southern/southeastern areas.

Main severe threats: Damaging winds, tornadoes.

Regional Rainfall Update

As of 10 a.m. Wednesday, rainfall amounts ranged from 1 inch around the Beltway to 2 inches north of Interstate 70. Southern regions received between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain so far.