Strong Thunderstorms Expected Next Two Days in Maryland

Strong thunderstorms capable of producing flash flooding and hail could roll through Maryland on Wednesday and another line capable of producing tornadoes may be headed to the state on Thursday.

The National Weather Service Wednesday issued a hazardous weather outlook for much of the state for the next two days.

The forecast for Wednesday calls for a possibility of strong storms capable of producing damaging winds and hail. Flash flooding is also a possibility.

On Thursday, the government agency is calling for a potential significant severe weather event. Storms associated with the event could be capable of producing wind gusts of up to 50 mph, large hail and possibly tornadoes.

On Wednesday, the National Weather Service confirmed that tornadoes touched down Monday in Maryland in Fork in Baltimore County, Locust Point in Baltimore City and on Colton's Point in St. Mary's County.

The tornado in Fork touched down around 3:30 p.m. and was believed to be on the ground for about 2 minutes. It was determined to be about 100 yards wide and traveled for about one-half mile. The twister uprooted six trees along Vista View Court and damaged additional trees and a fence near Fork United Methodist Church.

In Locust Point, a waterspout came ashore around 3:44 p.m. and transformed into a tornado that lasted about a minute. The storm peeled up a portion of a roof on a metal building. A trailer resting on cinder blocks was thrown about 60 feet and destroyed, according to the National Weather Service.

In St. Mary's County, a twister caused minor tree damage and blew shingles off of some homes. A trampoline lodged 90 feet up in a pine tree. Two wooden playground sets were also blown over with one dragged about 15 feet. Investigators believe the twister was the extension of a waterspout that crossed the Potomac around 9 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

All three tornadoes were rated EF-0—the weakest on a scale that ranks the strength of the twisters.

A fourth possible tornado in Woodbine in Howard County remains under investigation and more information could be released in the next 24 hours.

A small craft advisory is in effect for the tidal Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay beginning Thursday. Gale warnings could be issued late Thursday with small craft advisory conditions continuing into Friday morning, according to the statement issued by the National Weather Service.