Hazardous Weather Conditions for the Baltimore/Washington Region Today Between 5 and 10 PM.

Heavy Rains from the Plains to the East; Fire Weather Risk in the Desert Southwest

Thunderstorms, some severe, may produce heavy to excessive rainfall and isolated flooding over portions of the Southern Plains through Saturday. Widespread showers and thunderstorms will spread east into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, Mid Atlantic and Northeast. Dry conditions, combined with gusty winds will continue to support an elevated fire weather threat in the Desert Southwest. Read More >

...HAZARDOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON REGION TODAY BETWEEN 500 PM AND 1000 PM EST... Weather conditions will deteriorate as a strong frontal system approaches this afternoon, then passes through the greater Baltimore/Washington region this evening. This will result high winds capable of downing trees and powerlines, tidal flooding, and the potential for flooding of small streams and creeks. This will create hazardous travel conditions late this afternoon through late evening across the region. Light-to-moderate rain will continue early this afternoon, then increase in intensity late this afternoon, with a several hour period of heavy, intense rainfall expected between 6 PM and 10 PM. This heavy rainfall, coupled with already saturated soils from recent rainfall, will cause flooding of small streams and creeks. Do not attempt to drive across flooded roadways; additionally, flooding at night increases the risk for motorists not being able to quickly identify the water hazards due to decreased visibilities by the heavy rain and darkness. Easterly winds will increase in intensity as well this afternoon across the region, with gusts to 50 MPH expected late this afternoon through mid-evening. Locations closer to the Chesapeake Bay will see higher wind gusts of 60-70 MPH. Strong winds will increase the risk of falling trees and downed powerlines. Again, the risk of poor outcomes resulting from high winds is increased during nighttime. Winds will decrease after midnight tonight. Finally, areas along the tidal Potomac River and western shore of the Chesapeake Bay north of Smith Point VA should prepare for moderate-to-major tidal flooding. The cities of Baltimore, Annapolis MD, and Alexandria VA are most prone to tidal flooding, and the coupling of heavy rainfall and strong onshore winds of 50-60 MPH in these locations will work together to create moderate-to-major tidal impacts. Repeating, a strong frontal system will approach and pass through the greater Baltimore/Washington region late this afternoon into this evening. Small stream and creek flooding, tidal flooding, and high winds will create hazardous conditions late this afternoon through late evening. Motorists should expect hazardous conditions in their evening commute, and should avoid unnecessary travel. Prepare for the potential for power outages. Stay tuned to your favorite media outlet, All Hazards NOAA Weather Radio, or www.weather.gov/washington for further updates.