A fast moving line of strong storms barreled through the Baltimore area Saturday evening, whipping up radar indicated damaging winds and dropping trees in some neighborhoods. Severe thunderstorm watches and warnings spread over much of the region as a cold front pushed east, and meteorologists said most of the squall line should wind down later tonight. Forecasters expect Sunday to be mostly dry before temperatures rise and humidity returns later in the week.
Warnings and wind
The National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm warnings across northeast Maryland, including Cecil, Harford, Baltimore, Carroll and Howard counties and Baltimore City, warning of radar indicated wind gusts up to 60 to 70 mph that could bring down trees and power lines, according to the National Weather Service. The line was moving east at roughly 30 to 40 mph, and local officials urged anyone outside to get to shelter right away. Spotters and radar reports highlighted the potential for blocked roadways and localized outages.
What crews and residents saw
On the ground, local coverage and viewer posts showed snapped branches and several fallen trees that briefly blocked streets, WBAL-TV reported wind damage in multiple counties and said crews were responding to a number of calls. The station quoted meteorologists who said most of the storm activity should be gone by about 8 to 9 p.m., although a secondary front could still trigger isolated showers later in the night. Anyone who comes across downed power lines or large debris is advised to call 911 and report outages to their utility instead of trying to handle cleanup themselves.
Timing and the weekend outlook
Once the front clears the region, Sunday should be mostly sunny with a high near 90 in the city, according to the National Weather Service, giving residents a dry window for outdoor plans. Monday and Tuesday are expected to be milder, in the upper 70s to low 80s, before heat and humidity build back in later in the week.
What to do now
If you lose power, check your utility’s outage map and report issues as instructed rather than going near downed or dangling wires. The NBC Washington Storm Team notes that heat and humidity will return by the end of next week, with afternoon storms again possible as conditions become more unstable, per NBC Washington. Secure loose outdoor furniture, stay clear of damaged trees, and keep an eye on updated forecasts.
City and county crews will continue clearing streets and assessing damage overnight. We will update this story as official statements and new reports come in.
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