Weather poses threat to Ocean City Rock Festival, city prepared

A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect until 7:00 PM EDT for central Somerset, western Wicomico, and Dorchester counties. Severe thunderstorms have been detected along a line stretching from Rhode River to Calvert Cliffs to near Saint Inigoes Creek, moving east at a speed of 50 mph. The hazardous conditions include 70 mph wind gusts and hail the size of half dollars. The source of this information is radar indicated. The potential impact of these severe storms includes minor damage to vehicles, significant tree damage, and possible wind damage to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

The affected areas may include Taylors Island around 6:20 PM EDT, Cambridge, and the University Of Maryland Center For Environmental Studies around 6:35 PM EDT, Deal Island around 6:40 PM EDT, Hurlock, and Secretary around 6:45 PM EDT, Vienna around 6:50 PM EDT, Princess Anne, University Of Maryland Eastern Shore, Federalsburg, Hebron, and Sharptown around 6:55 PM EDT. Additionally, communities like Wetipquin, Madison, Brookview, Trinity, Eldorado, Kingston, Church Creek, Lloyds, Mount Vernon, and Linkwood may also be impacted by these severe thunderstorms.

As a precautionary measure, individuals should seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Continuous cloud-to-ground lightning is occurring with these storms, prompting the importance of seeking indoor shelter immediately. When thunder is audible, there is a heightened risk of being struck by lightning.

The thunderstorm damage threat is tagged as considerable, with radar indicating possible hail of up to 1.25 inches and wind gusts of up to 70 mph.

Furthermore, a severe thunderstorm watch 264 remains valid until 11:00 PM EDT for various areas encompassing Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia. This includes a wide array of counties and cities within these states. The severe weather watch serves as a cautionary notice for potentially hazardous conditions within the designated areas.

Moreover, there is a special marine warning in place until 7:15 PM EDT for the Chesapeake Bay from Drum Point MD to Smith Point VA, Tangier Sound, the inland waters surrounding Bloodsworth Island, and the Tidal Potomac from Cobb Island MD to Smith Point VA. Severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts have been detected, moving east at 55 knots. The impending hazards include waterspouts, wind gusts exceeding 48 knots, and large hail. Boaters must exercise caution as high winds, waves, and waterspouts can pose serious risks to vessels and passengers.

Individuals should promptly seek safe harbor as gusty winds and high waves are expected. Sudden waterspouts can overturn boats and create hazardous conditions at sea. Safe harbor should be sought immediately in the face of these impending dangers. The possibility of waterspouts, hail larger than 0.75 inches, and wind speeds reaching 48 knots underscores the critical need for boaters to prioritize safety and seek shelter in safe harbor.