...SEVERE WEATHER OUTBREAK EXPECTED OVER THE MID-ATLANTIC REGION
BETWEEN 2 PM AND 10 PM TODAY, INCLUDING THE GREATER
BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREAS...

An outbreak of severe storms is expected this afternoon and
evening across the greater Baltimore/Washington region, with
numerous severe thunderstorms expected. There is a significant
threat for damaging and locally destructive hurricane-force
winds, along with the potential for large hail and tornadoes, even
strong tornadoes.

The timing of this outbreak varies with your location. West of the
Blue Ridge Mountains, you can expect the storms to arrive between
12 Noon and 3 PM. East of the Blue Ridge Mountains, timing will
be from 4 PM to 8 PM. The greater Baltimore/Washington
Metropolitan Areas can expect the storms to arrive between 5 PM
and 7 PM.

Now is the time to review your severe weather safety procedures
for the possibility of dangerous weather today. Do not be outdoors
when the storms arrive. When you hear thunder, go indoors to a
sturdy building or structure. While seeking shelter indoors, go to
the lowest floor to an interior room. Stay away from windows. Those
in mobile homes or weaker structures should plan ahead of time to
shelter in a stronger shelter. Be prepared for extended power
outages, and the potential for some roads to be blocked by fallen
trees.

For the after-event cleanup, do not go outside until 30 minutes
after you hear the last thunder, otherwise you will be still
susceptible to lightning strikes. Be aware of downed power lines
and unstable branches and trees.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, weather.gov, or other media for
watches and warnings. If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado
Warning is issued for your area, move to a place of safety,
ideally in an interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy
building.