With summer thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rain, hail, lightning and occasional tornadoes across Maryland, AAA is reminding drivers to prepare for severe weather and know how to respond if caught on the road.
Ragina Ali, AAA Club Alliance public affairs manager for Maryland and Washington, D.C., noted that storms can develop quickly and leave motorists vulnerable. “A vehicle can either be a very dangerous place to be, or a place of safety, depending on the weather conditions,” Ali said. “The key is being prepared for severe weather and reacting the right way.”
AAA recommends checking the forecast before every trip, loading a weather app with live radar on mobile phones, and enabling severe weather warning notifications.
Heavy rain reduces visibility and creates the risk of hydroplaning. Drivers should keep windshield wiper blades in good condition, slow down and avoid cruise control when roads are wet. If visibility becomes severely limited, pull completely off the roadway when it is safe to do so, turn on hazard lights and wait for conditions to improve.
Flooded roadways pose a particular danger. As little as 12 inches of moving water can sweep most vehicles off the road. AAA and emergency officials continue to promote the message “Turn around, don’t drown.” Never attempt to drive through water of unknown depth.
Hail can appear with little warning. More than 5,400 major hail events producing stones at least one inch in diameter occurred nationwide in 2025, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service. Maryland experienced several such storms. Even smaller hail can dent vehicles, while larger stones can shatter glass.
If a hailstorm begins while driving, seek covered shelter such as a highway overpass (away from traffic lanes), gas station canopy or similar structure if one is nearby and reachable safely. If no shelter is available and stones are large enough to cause damage, pull completely off the road, move away from windows and protect the head with arms or a blanket. Comprehensive auto insurance typically covers hail damage.
Lightning strikes the United States roughly 25 million times each year, causing an average of 20 deaths and hundreds of injuries, according to the National Weather Service. A hard-topped vehicle offers relative safety. Remain inside with windows closed and avoid contact with metal surfaces. Stay clear of fences, isolated trees, poles and power lines.
Damage from lightning or from trees felled by associated high winds is generally covered under comprehensive auto insurance, though coverage questions can arise if a tree was previously known to be compromised.
Tornadoes require the most urgent response. Preliminary data showed more than 1,500 tornadoes in the United States in 2025. If a tornado is approaching and a sturdy building is available, abandon the vehicle and take shelter inside. As a last resort, remain in the vehicle with the seat belt fastened, duck below window level, cover up with a blanket and protect the head. Never seek shelter under a highway overpass, where winds can intensify and debris becomes more dangerous. Most tornadoes travel from southwest to northeast; use that knowledge when choosing a location if outdoors.
AAA also advises assembling a simple severe-weather kit for the vehicle. Useful items include nonperishable food and water, a flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, a phone charger, first-aid supplies, flares or reflectors, a raincoat or poncho, a towel or blanket, and an extra pair of shoes.
Southern Maryland drivers face these risks regularly during the warmer months. Recent patterns across the Mid-Atlantic have included elevated threats of damaging winds, large hail and isolated tornadoes. Staying weather-aware and following basic precautions can reduce the chance of injury or becoming stranded.
Local residents are encouraged to monitor National Weather Service forecasts and alerts for Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties, especially during periods of heat and humidity that favor afternoon and evening thunderstorm development.
By planning ahead, slowing down in reduced visibility and never driving into floodwaters, motorists can better protect themselves and their passengers when summer storms arrive.
