Forecasters are cautioning that there "is a risk for strong to severe thunderstorms," that might bring large hail, and damaging winds with gusts approaching 70mph, officials say.
According to the National Weather Service, hail may be the size of a quarter in some parts of the region, and downed trees and power lines are a concern for some areas. Severe thunderstorm warnings have also been issued in both states that are scheduled to expire at 10 p.m. on Monday night.
Residents have been advised to monitor forecasts and ensure they can receive possible watches or warnings related to the weather.
In Maryland, counties included in the severe thunderstorm watch include:
- Anne Arundel;
- Baltimore;
- Calvert;
- Caroline;
- Charles;
- Dorchester;
- Harford;
- Howard;
- Kent;
- Montgomery;
- Prince George's;
- Queen Anne's;
- Somerset;
- St. Mary's;
- Talbot;
- Wicomico;
- Worcester.
Cities that could be hit by storms bringing brief downpours, hail and high winds from Tuesday afternoon to Tuesday evening include Washington, DC; Roanoke, Richmond and Norfolk, Virginia; and Salisbury and Ocean City, Maryland, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty said.
"The combination of the front, surging warmth and moisture will be enough to trigger showers and thunderstorms from western parts of New York, northeastern Ohio, West Virginia and western Pennsylvania to Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey," Douty explained.
"But, at this time, cloud cover may be a limiting factor against widespread severe weather in part of this zone."
The weather is expected to clear up on Tuesday, with gentle winds forecasted with temperatures hovering in the mid-70s before a slight chance of showers overnight.
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