Severe Thunderstorms and Heavy Rainfall in the Northern Plains and Midwest; Fire Weather Threat in the West

Severe thunderstorms will continue to be possible over parts of the northern Plains and upper Midwest through Saturday which could bring large hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes. Heavy to excessive rainfall may produce flooding over a part of the Midwest today. Elevated to critical fire weather are expected today into this weekend over parts of the central Rockies and Great Basin. Read More >

Maryland

Severe Storms Awareness Week

April 7 - 13, 2025

Click here for quick info on each of the thunderstorm threats & ways to stay safe.

NOAA's National Weather Service and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management are teaming up for Maryland Severe Storms Awareness Week, which will run from April 7-13, 2025.

Maryland's Statewide Tornado Drill

Wednesday, April 9th at 10:00am

Even if you can't do it at that time, you can still do your own drill anytime this week when it fits your schedule!

A tornado drill message will be sent over NOAA Weather Radio at 10:00am on Wednesday April 9th. It is also being broadcast over the Emergency Alert System (EAS) as a Required Monthly Test (RMT) code for Maryland. It will tone alert over NOAA weather radio for Maryland counties, however the test RMT code may not trigger all weather radio receivers. Cell phones will not be alerted as part of this test.

This drill will offer a chance for Marylanders to test their response to a NWS Tornado Warning (imminent tornado threat). Anyone who would like to participate with their school, business, family, or on their own can activate their emergency plan for what they would do given an actual tornado warning. Plans can readily be developed using the www.ready.gov website.

Of course, as a general rule, the most important thing to remember is to head to the lowest small interior room where you are - away from windows. Put as much "structure" as possible between you and the outside.

Tornado Sheltering