Urgent: Maryland Faces Damaging Winds, Flooding Monday
Maryland Severe Weather Guide: Monday Storms, Tornado Warnings & How to Stay Safe
Hey there! Think of this like your friendly neighborhood weather buddy explaining what’s happening in the sky over Maryland. We’ll break down the big words, tell you when to pay attention, and give you a simple plan to keep you and your family safe. Let’s dive in!
What’s Happening Right Now?
The Short Version:
A line of strong storms is marching across the region. It started in Ohio and West Virginia, and if it holds together, it’ll reach the Baltimore metro area during the evening commute (roughly 4–8 PM Monday).
Key Details:
- Tornado Warning was issued earlier for Garrett & Allegany counties (Western MD) — now expired
- Scattered Risk (Level 2/5) for northern counties bordering Pennsylvania
- Hot & humid — perfect fuel for storms
- Timeline: Dry morning → storms fire up west of Frederick by afternoon → move toward Baltimore 4–8 PM
What Kind of Severe Weather Could We See?
IMPORTANT POINT
Not every storm will be severe, but any storm today could turn nasty. Here are the main threats:
| Threat | What It Means (ELI5) | How Likely? |
|---|---|---|
| Damaging Winds | Straight-line winds 58+ mph — can snap trees, damage roofs, knock out power | Biggest concern |
| Heavy Rain & Flooding | 1–2+ inches in short time → flash flooding, especially in low spots & near creeks | High |
| Large Hail | Quarter-sized or bigger — can dent cars, damage crops | Isolated |
| Tornadoes | Brief spin-ups possible, mainly with strongest storms | Low but not zero |
The Next Few Days: Stormy Pattern Continues
| Day | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Monday | Storms 4–8 PM, some severe. Evening commute impacted. |
| Tuesday | Another round — possibly more widespread storms. Stay alert! |
| Wednesday | Storm chances linger. |
| Thursday–Saturday | Cold front arrives! Heat & humidity finally break. Highs in the low–mid 80s — much more comfortable. |
Tools to Track the Storms Yourself
PRO TIP
Bookmark these links before the power flickers!
Live Radar & Satellite (from WBAL-TV)
- Baltimore Metro Radar — zoom in on your neighborhood
- 1-Hour Radar Loop — watch storms move in real time
- Maryland Statewide Radar — see the big picture
- Mid-Atlantic Satellite — cloud cover & storm tops
- HRRR Futurecast Model — short-range computer forecast (next 18 hrs)
- GRAF Futurecast Model — another model for comparison
Current Alerts Maps
- Thunderstorm & Tornado Alerts (watch/warning polygons)
- Severe Weather Risk Today (Level 1–5 outlook)
- Severe Weather Risk Tomorrow
- Flood Alerts (flash flood watches/warnings)
Your Pocket Weather Center
- Download the WBAL-TV 11 News App → Turn ON push alerts
- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio (battery-powered = works during outages)
- Watch WBAL-TV 11 News when severe weather develops
- Sign up for Email Alerts at wbaltv.com
Alert Days vs. Impact Days — Know the Difference
THIS IS SUPER HELPFUL
The WBAL Weather Team uses these labels. Here’s what they mean for you:
| Label | Meaning | Your Action |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Day | Weather will disrupt your normal routine (commute, school, outdoor plans) | Adjust schedule, allow extra time, have Plan B |
| Alert Day | Threat of extreme, severe, possibly life-threatening weather | Take action NOW — shelter, warnings, emergency kit ready |
Today is likely an Impact Day for many, with Alert Day potential if warnings are issued for your exact location.
What to Do Right Now (Your 5-Minute Prep List)
1. Before the Storms Arrive (This Afternoon)
- [ ] Charge phones, tablets, portable batteries
- [ ] Move cars away from trees / into garage if possible
- [ ] Secure loose outdoor items (trampolines, furniture, grills, trash cans)
- [ ] Check sump pump / clear gutters if you flood easily
- [ ] Know your safe place: basement, interior room lowest floor, away from windows
2. During the Storm (4–8 PM & Overnight)
- [ ] Stay inside — no porches, no watching from windows!
- [ ] If Tornado Warning → go to safe place immediately, cover head
- [ ] If Flash Flood Warning → never drive through water ("Turn Around, Don’t Drown")
- [ ] Keep weather app / radio ON for updates
3. After the Storm
- [ ] Check on neighbors (elderly, vulnerable)
- [ ] Stay away from downed power lines — always assume they’re live
- [ ] Report outages to BGE: 877-778-2222 or BGE Outage Map
- [ ] Document damage for insurance
Power Outage Info — BGE Resources
| Need | How to Report / Check |
|---|---|
| Report outage | Call 877-778-2222 • BGE website • BGE mobile app |
| Check outage map | BGE.com Outage Map — shows totals & locations |
| Downed power lines | Call 877-778-2222 IMMEDIATELY — never touch or approach! |
| Gas odor | Same number — 877-778-2222 — leave area first! |
SAFETY FIRST
Fallen lines can kill even if they’re not sparking. Stay back 30+ feet. Keep kids & pets away. Call BGE and 911 if someone’s in danger.
Share Your Weather Photos (Safely!)
When it’s SAFE (not during active warnings!), send your pics & videos to WBAL-TV:
- They may feature them on 11 News or online
- Upload at: wbaltv.com/upload
- Include: location, time, what you’re seeing
Quick-Reference Summary
| Topic | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| Main Threat | Damaging winds (58+ mph), heavy rain/flooding, isolated hail |
| Timing | Storms reach Baltimore 4–8 PM Monday; more rounds Tue–Wed |
| Risk Level | Level 2/5 (Scattered) for northern MD counties |
| Best Prep | Charge devices, secure yard, know safe spot, enable alerts |
| If Warning | Act immediately — don’t wait to see the storm |
| Power Out | Call BGE 877-778-2222; check outage map online |
| Relief Coming | Friday/Saturday → highs low–mid 80s, lower humidity! |
FAQ — Your Questions Answered
1. "What’s the difference between a Watch and a Warning?"
Watch = "Ingredients are here, could happen. Be ready." (Covers large area, hours)
Warning = "It’s happening now or imminent. Take shelter immediately." (Small area, minutes)
Think: Watch = "Watch out." Warning = "Warning — take action NOW!"
2. "Should I cancel evening plans / leave work early?"
If you’re in the Baltimore metro, storms arrive 4–8 PM — right at commute.
If you can leave earlier safely, do it. If not, stay put until the worst passes. Never drive into a warned storm.
3. "My phone alert didn’t go off — why?"
- Check: Settings → Notifications → Weather App → Allow Alerts
- Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) must be ON (Settings → Notifications → scroll to bottom → Emergency Alerts)
- NOAA Weather Radio is the most reliable — works when cell towers fail.
4. "Is it safe to be in a mobile home during a tornado warning?"
No. Mobile homes are not safe in tornadoes or 60+ mph winds.
Plan ahead: Identify a sturdy building nearby (community center, friend’s house, designated shelter) and go there when the watch is issued, not the warning.
5. "What if I’m driving and see flooding?"
TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN.
- 6 inches of moving water knocks you down
- 12 inches floats a car
- 24 inches sweeps away SUVs/trucks
You can’t see road depth or if the road is even there. Find another route.
Final Thought
You’ve got this. Maryland weather can be wild, but knowing what to expect and having a simple plan makes all the difference. Keep your alerts on, check on your people, and remember — the sunshine always returns.
Stay safe, stay informed, and we’ll see you on the other side of this storm system!
— Your WBAL-TV 11 Weather Team
Article based on WBAL-TV 11 Weather coverage. For live updates, radar, and official warnings, visit wbaltv.com/weather or download the WBAL-TV 11 News app.