Baltimore and the wider Maryland area geared up for a tumultuous day of weather, as a strong cold front pushed through, sparking severe thunderstorms in its path. The National Weather Service (NWS) Baltimore outlined the day's scenario, predicting strong thunderstorms, particularly along and east of Interstate 81 during the early to mid-afternoon hours, as reported in their morning Area Forecast Discussion. Faster-moving storms were expected to bring damaging winds, and while large hail couldn't be completely ruled off the table, the lack of low-level shear meant tornadoes weren't anticipated.
Despite the storm's severity, the NWS doesn't foresee flash flooding to be a major issue, although an isolated incident, if storms repeat over an urban area, cannot be ruled out. According to the forecast, the Slight Risk from SPC clips far northeastern portions of Maryland (Harford and Cecil counties). Residents were on alert as meteorologists predicted an evening caveat of lingering showers and possible fog, later giving way to a cooler and drier night with winds shifting northwest.
Looking beyond the storm, the region braced for a cool down with Canadian high pressure swooping in on Monday, and that chill extending into the start of the week. The NWS noted a temperature spread ranging from the 40s over the Appalachians to the mid-60s in the I-95 major city centers following the front's passage.
Mariners weren't left out of the weather mix, with the NWS issuing a Small Craft Advisory into the early morning, and identifying a solid chance for gusty thunderstorms over the waters during late afternoon and evening. Winds will turn out of the north to northwest tonight behind the cold front and remain northwesterly during the day Sunday, according to the NWS. Heading into the week, the sage skies return with mostly sunny conditions and a notable absence of major maritime warnings.
While coastal flooding was conceivable early Saturday morning, the impending wind shift would likely lead to receding water levels, potentially sidelining concerns of coastal flooding until at least the early days of the following week. The National Weather Service's latest directives remind residents that while the weather may be a force of its own, understanding its potential impact is vital for preparation and safety.
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