Alert archive / Maryland / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2018

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 162, NWS Baltimore/Washington

July 22, 20185 counties in Maryland

NWS Baltimore/Washington issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Jul 22, 2018, 2:53 PM EDT for 5 counties in Maryland. It was in force for 29 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Jul 22, 2018, 2:53 PM EDT (18:53 UTC)
Expired
Jul 22, 2018, 3:22 PM EDT
In force
29 min
Issued by
NWS Baltimore/Washington
Area
Storm-based polygon
Hail
0.75 in
Wind
60.0 mph

Counties Anne Arundel County, MD, Baltimore County, MD, City of Baltimore, MD, Harford County, MD, Howard County, MD

The radar

The Sterling radar (KLWX), 84 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 18:56 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Washington/Dulle, VA (KIAD), launched 12:00Z, 6.9 hours before the alert went out and 79 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Washington/Dulle, VA at 12:00Z on 2018-07-22Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Washington/Dulle, VA at 12:00Z on 2018-07-22The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 13 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
894 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
26 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
13 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
35 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this severe thunderstorm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Baltimore/Washington wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at Jul 22, 12:12 PM EDT, 2 hours 41 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jul 22, 12:12 PM EDT, 2 hours 41 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1212 PM EDT Sun Jul 22 2018

.SYNOPSIS...
A broad and slow moving low pressure system will drop from the
Ohio Valley into the Southeast by Monday. This low will continue
to influence the Mid Atlantic during the early part of the
week.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
Concern through this evening is the renewed flooding threat, and
have issued a Flash Flood Watch for a similar area which
received the heavy rain yesterday. A vort max will lift
northward as a boundary currently near the Chesapeake Bay backs
inland. Sufficient instability and lift will be located near and
east of this boundary for numerous showers and storms to
develop. While there was some drying of the atmosphere
overnight, higher precipitable water values over 1.75 inches are
being advected northward east of the Blue Ridge. Warm cloud
layers are still deep, which mean rainfall should be efficient.
While the coverage and organization will certainly be less than
Saturday, the threat for some training over already saturated
ground and elevated stream levels means there is a higher than
normal risk of flash flooding. WPC has upgraded the area to a
moderate risk of excessive rainfall.

Models vary a bit in projections of CAPE/shear this afternoon,
but a similar area to the flash flood risk could also experience
thunderstorms with gusty winds. Trees may more easily topple due
to the saturated ground.

The risk for showers will continue through the night due to
additional energy moving around the upper low, although they
should be less intense. It is interesting models are showing an
increase of CAPE in eastern parts of the area from late evening
to overnight, so a few storms could occur if forcing is
sufficient.

&&

.SHORT TERM /MONDAY THROUGH TUESDAY NIGHT/...
Plume of very high PW air >2.0 inches is expected to shift more
westward/inland as upper low drops into the Southeast and
heights rise along the coast. Fcst wind profiles indicate strong
unidirectional flow very conducive to training convection and
model signal for heavy rain is stronger with widespread
convection. Will likely see more scattered incidents of flooding
and a flash flood watch will likely be required for Mon and Tue.
Locations along and east of the Blue Ridge into northeast MD
appear at greatest risk of experiencing flash flooding.

&&

.LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
A trough of low pressure will remain stationary through Thursday. A
persistent train of moisture pushing up from the south will interact
with this trough to produce showers and thunderstorms. Much of the
shower and thunderstorm activity should occur during the warmest
time of the day in the afternoon through the early evening hours
each day. Precipitable water values of 1.75 inches to 2.25 inches
will aid in heavy rainfall within the shower and thunderstorm
activity. High temperatures will be slightly below normal and low
temperatures will be slightly above normal due to cloud cover and
showers and thunderstorms.

The trough of low pressure will gradually push east Thursday night
and Friday. Because the trough is not expected to move too far to
the east and possibly become stationary across the Delmarva
Peninsula or Tidewater of Virginia Friday, the chance for showers
and a few thunderstorms may linger Thursday night and Friday. The
farther northwest and northern zones may encounter a few showers
Thursday evening, briefly become dry overnight Thursday and Friday
morning, then follow up with showers and a couple of thunderstorms
Friday afternoon. There is some uncertainty as to how far the trough
moves eastward, the strength of the trough, and coverage of showers
and thunderstorms. High temperatures will be closer to normal as we
could see a southwest wind develop along a weak front.

Weak high pressure makes an attempt to dry us out Friday night and
Saturday, but could soon be followed up by an approaching upper
level disturbance from the west Saturday night and Sunday. This
upper level feature could bring a warm front northward and a couple
rounds of showers and thunderstorms along it or behind it.
Temperatures will be close to normal.

&&

.AVIATION /16Z SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
MVFR cigs have redeveloped. There may be some lifting with
increased mixing, but will look into potential for a longer
period of low clouds with TAF amendments likely. Sct t-storms
expected today which may result in brief MVFR/IFR cigs/vsbys.
Unsettled wx will continue through mid week.

Showers and thunderstorms each day through Thursday. The warmest
time in the afternoon into the early evening hours would be the more
prominent time to encounter these showers and thunderstorms.
Occasionally MVFR or perhaps IFR could develop with the showers and
thunderstorms. Winds generally southeast to south at 5 to 10 knots
with higher gusts in thunderstorms through Wednesday night. Winds
could become southwesterly at 5 to 10 knots Thursday ahead of the
trough. Winds could shift to more westerly later Thursday night and
Friday with a trough moving across the region.

&&

.MARINE...
Winds are still light this morning, but southerly flow expected
to gradually increase today and an SCA goes into effect for all
waters. This still looks on track although gusts may not be
constant. Thunderstorms with gusty winds may also require
Special Marine Warnings. SCA conditions possible through Tue
night. Winds and waves locally higher in t-storms.

Small craft advisories possible Wednesday and Wednesday night for
the main stem Chesapeake Bay near and around the Tidal Potomac.
Winds southerly around 10 knots gusts to 15 to perhaps 20 knots
Wednesday and Wednesday evening. Winds becoming southwest to
westerly 5 to 10 knots gusts 15 knots Wednesday night and
Thursday.

&&

.TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
Gusty southerly flow will continue to lead to elevated water
levels. Multiple Coastal Flood Advisories are in effect through
tonight, and will continue to assess the need for adjustments.

&&

.LWX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
DC...Flash Flood Watch through this evening for DCZ001.
     Coastal Flood Advisory until 10 AM EDT Monday for DCZ001.
MD...Flash Flood Watch through this evening for MDZ004>006-011-013-
     014-016>018-503>508.
     Coastal Flood Advisory from 9 PM this evening to 3 PM EDT
     Monday for MDZ017.
     Coastal Flood Advisory from midnight tonight to 9 AM EDT
     Monday for MDZ014.
     Coastal Flood Advisory from 2 AM to 9 AM EDT Monday for MDZ011.
VA...Flash Flood Watch through this evening for VAZ052>057-506.
WV...None.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 6 PM EDT Monday for ANZ531>534-537-
     539>543.
     Small Craft Advisory until 8 PM EDT this evening for ANZ530-
     535-536-538.
     Small Craft Advisory from 11 AM to 6 PM EDT Monday for ANZ530-
     535-536-538.

&&

SYNOPSIS...LFR
NEAR TERM...ADS/LFR
SHORT TERM...LFR
LONG TERM...KLW
AVIATION...ADS/LFR/KLW
MARINE...ADS/LFR/KLW
TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...ADS
Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 22, 1:52 PM EDT, 1 hour 1 minute before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
152 PM EDT Sun Jul 22 2018

ANZ530>543-DCZ001-MDZ011-013-014-016>018-508-VAZ052>057-231800-
Chesapeake Bay north of Pooles Island MD-
Chesapeake Bay from Pooles Island to Sandy Point MD-
Chesapeake Bay from Sandy Point to North Beach MD-
Chesapeake Bay from North Beach to Drum Point MD-
Chesapeake Bay from Drum Point MD to Smith Point VA-
Tidal Potomac from Key Bridge to Indian Head MD-
Tidal Potomac from Indian Head to Cobb Island MD-
Tidal Potomac from Cobb Island MD to Smith Point VA-
Patapsco River including Baltimore Harbor-
Chester River to Queenstown MD-Eastern Bay-
Choptank River to Cambridge MD and the Little Choptank River-
Patuxent River to Broomes Island MD-
Tangier Sound and the inland waters surrounding Bloodsworth
Island-District of Columbia-Southern Baltimore-Prince Georges-
Anne Arundel-Charles-St. Marys-Calvert-Southeast Harford-
Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park-Fairfax-
Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria-Stafford-Spotsylvania-
King George-
152 PM EDT Sun Jul 22 2018

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the Maryland portion of the
Chesapeake Bay, Tidal Potomac River, and adjacent counties in
central Maryland and northern Virginia as well as the District of
Columbia.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect until midnight tonight for the
entire outlook area.

Thunderstorms may produce isolated damaging wind gusts this
afternoon and evening. Scattered showers and storms with gusty
winds over the waters may also require Special Marine Warnings.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday

Scattered incidents of flooding are possible Monday into
Wednesday. Flash Flood Watches will likely be required.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

MDZ003>006-501>507-VAZ025>031-036>040-050-051-501>508-WVZ050>053-
055-501>506-231800-
Washington-Frederick MD-Carroll-Northern Baltimore-
Extreme Western Allegany-Central and Eastern Allegany-
Northwest Montgomery-Central and Southeast Montgomery-
Northwest Howard-Central and Southeast Howard-Northwest Harford-
Augusta-Rockingham-Shenandoah-Frederick VA-Page-Warren-Clarke-
Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Madison-Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-
Northern Fauquier-Southern Fauquier-Western Highland-
Eastern Highland-Western Loudoun-Eastern Loudoun-
Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
Hampshire-Morgan-Berkeley-Jefferson-Hardy-Western Grant-
Eastern Grant-Western Mineral-Eastern Mineral-Western Pendleton-
Eastern Pendleton-
152 PM EDT Sun Jul 22 2018

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for eastern West Virginia,
northern and central Virginia, and central and western Maryland
with the exception of Garrett County.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect through midnight tonight for much
of the Baltimore and Washington metropolitan area.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday

Scattered incidents of flooding are possible Monday into
Wednesday. Flash Flood Watches will likely be required.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

In the hours before

Local storm report, Jul 22, 11:01 AM EDT, 3 hours 52 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC
1101 AM EDT SUN JUL 22 2018

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1009 AM     FLOOD            1 NE MANASSAS PARK      38.79N  77.43W
07/22/2018                   PRINCE WILLIAM     VA   EMERGENCY MNGR

            LAKE DRIVE CLOSED DUE TO HIGH WATER NEAR LELAND ROAD
            FROM FLOODING OF BULL RUN

&&

EVENT NUMBER LWX1801059

ADS
Local storm report, Jul 22, 2:44 PM EDT, 9 minutes before
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The office that day

Everything else NWS Baltimore/Washington issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jul 21, 8:49 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningLWXFairfax, City of Alexandria3 hr
Jul 21, 9:29 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningLWXFairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, City of Manassas3 hr
Jul 22, 5:35 AM EDTCoastal Flood AdvisoryLWXArlington, City of Alexandria, City of Falls Church52 hr
Jul 22, 6:27 AM EDTSmall Craft AdvisoryLWX37 hr
Jul 22, 11:35 AM EDTFlash Flood WatchLWXArlington, Fairfax, King George, Loudoun, Spotsylvania, Stafford and 4 more17 hr
Jul 22, 1:48 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningLWX42 min
Jul 22, 2:07 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningLWX113 min
Jul 22, 2:44 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningLWX67 min
Jul 22, 3:21 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningLWX92 min
Jul 22, 4:45 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningLWX2 hr
Jul 22, 5:16 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningLWX89 min
Jul 22, 5:40 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningLWX56 min
Jul 22, 6:58 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningLWX93 min
Jul 22, 7:05 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLWXAlbemarle, City of Charlottesville55 min
Jul 21, 8:14 PM EDTCoastal Flood WarningLWXSaint Mary's5 hr
Jul 21, 9:01 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningLWXMontgomery3 hr
Jul 21, 9:05 PM EDTRiver Flood WarningLWXMontgomery26 hr
Jul 21, 10:16 PM EDTAreal Flood WarningLWXAnne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, City of Baltimore18 hr
Jul 21, 10:57 PM EDTAreal Flood WarningLWXFrederick33 hr
Jul 21, 11:12 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningLWXFrederick, Montgomery3 hr
Jul 21, 11:13 PM EDTAreal Flood WarningLWXBaltimore, Carroll15 hr
Jul 21, 11:26 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningLWXAnne Arundel, Baltimore, City of Baltimore3 hr
Jul 22, 12:12 AM EDTAreal Flood WarningLWXCalvert, Charles, Saint Mary's5 hr
Jul 22, 2:56 AM EDTRiver Flood WarningLWXFrederick3 days
Jul 22, 1:45 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLWXCharles, Prince George's30 min
Jul 22, 1:59 PM EDTAreal Flood WarningLWXSaint Mary's4 hr
Jul 22, 1:59 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLWXAnne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George's, Saint Mary's46 min
Jul 22, 2:17 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLWXAnne Arundel, Prince George's43 min
Jul 22, 2:28 PM EDTAreal Flood WarningLWXCalvert4 hr
Jul 22, 2:53 PM EDTAreal Flood WarningLWXBaltimore, City of Baltimore9 hr
Jul 22, 5:01 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLWXAnne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George's29 min
Jul 22, 6:06 PM EDTAreal Flood WarningLWXAnne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George's, Saint Mary's20 hr

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Maryland, 2018Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2018

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.