UPDATE – 3:35 P.M. – The National Weather Service reports that the immediate tornado threat has diminished for the time being across the region. However, forecasters warn that another round of gusty showers and thunderstorms could impact the area later this afternoon and into the evening.
CALIFORNIA, Md. — The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for Southern Maryland and much of the surrounding region until 7 p.m. Monday, as a strong line of severe storms moves through the Mid-Atlantic.
The watch, issued at 10:58 a.m. by the National Weather Service office in Baltimore/Washington, includes Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties, along with numerous jurisdictions across Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.
Forecasters say conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, damaging winds and heavy rain throughout the afternoon and evening hours.
In Southern Maryland, communities including Prince Frederick, Chesapeake Beach, North Beach, Waldorf, California, Lexington Park and Lusby fall within the watch area.
The watch also covers much of central and northern Maryland, including Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Carroll, Frederick, Washington, Cecil, Baltimore, Baltimore City and Harford counties, as well as the District of Columbia.
Across Virginia, the watch extends through large portions of Northern and Central Virginia, including Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Culpeper and surrounding areas.
Parts of the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, including Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties, are also included.
A tornado watch means atmospheric conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe storms to develop. Residents are urged to remain alert for rapidly changing weather conditions and be prepared to take shelter if warnings are issued.
The watch remains in effect until 7 p.m. Monday, though additional watches or warnings could be issued as storms develop and move across the region.
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