The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for multiple counties and Baltimore City in Maryland, effective until 9:00 PM EDT on Saturday, August 3, 2024. The alert, identified as Watch 591, was announced at 1:20 PM EDT, covering a substantial part of the state and signaling potential for severe weather conditions.
Residents in the following counties should be on alert: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Queen Anne’s, St. Marys, and Talbot. Baltimore City is also included in the watch area.
A severe thunderstorm watch indicates conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. These storms can produce large hail, damaging winds, and heavy downpours, posing risks to life and property. The designation urges residents to stay informed and be ready to move to a safe location if weather conditions deteriorate or if warnings are issued.
People in these areas are advised to keep an eye on the weather, listen to meteorological updates, and follow instructions from local authorities. Precautions may include securing outdoor objects that could be blown away or damaged by high winds, seeking shelter indoors away from windows, and preparing for possible power outages.
The watch remains in effect until 9:00 PM EDT, giving those in the affected regions ample time to take necessary safety measures. Further updates and possible warnings will be issued by the NWS as the situation develops.
