Severe weather threat later today
Forecasters have dialed back their predictions for rain totals from the twin lows that will be affecting Central Maryland Wednesday. But there remains some threat of severe weather for some locations later in the day. Moderate coastal flooding may also become an issue as winds persist out of the east and northeast, swinging to the south tonight.
The National Weather Service forecasters out in Sterling, Va. are expecting no more than a half-
inch of rain at BWI-Marshall Airport Wednesday and Wednesday night. But if you happen to come under a thunderstorm, you could see more. SOme Eastern Shore Locations are seeing more, with three-quarters to almost an inch of rain in the gauges, according to the CoCoRaHS Network.
We're getting reports of numerous highway accidents around the region this morning, and wondering whether rain, reduced visibility and fallen leaves may be a contributing factor. Baltimore County alone is reporting three separate smashups on the Beltway in the Pikesville area, one of them involving five vehicles, with injuries.
The severe weather later Wednesday would come in the form of fast-moving lines of thunderstorms developing after mid-day. They could bring damaging winds and/or urban flooding.
Wind shear conditions aloft could also allow for some tornado development as well. Time to set your NOAA Weather Radio to "Alert."
There is a coastal flood warning in effect after 7 p.m. Wednesday for the Western Shore from Calvert County northward. High tides could rise about two feet above predicted levels.
The coastal low over eastern Georgia this morning will merge or "phase" with a Midwestern low today as they reach the mid-Atlantic states. And as the system moves off to the northeast overnight, we should begin to see the rain end. Getting rid of the clouds on Thursday may take longer, however. Showers may linger west of the mountains, forecasters said. Elevations above 2,500 feet could see snowflakes, but no accumulation.
By Friday, we should be in the clear everywhere, with prospects good for a fine autumn weekend, with sunshine and highs in the low 60s.
