Storms sweep into Maryland, bringing flood risk and Orioles rain delays

Storms have begun moving across Maryland, delaying the Orioles game at Camden Yards twice and raising concerns about flash flooding, damaging winds and dangerous evening conditions across much of the state.

The National Weather Service put out an advisory early Sunday morning warning of a “marginal risk” for severe weather, with pending thunderstorms and damaging winds posing a threat throughout the state.

Flash flooding is also likely due to heavy rains. Flood watches were issued for Baltimore, Prince George’s, and Anne Arundel counties until midnight. Another flood watch for the Blue Ridge region and areas west of it will be in effect from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. Monday.

Brendon Rubin-Oster, a meteorologist with the NWS, said showers would move toward Baltimore from the west by the midafternoon as heavier storms set in. Vulnerable locations with poor drainage are most likely to flood.

“Any stronger storm could produce some damaging wind gusts, but they should be pretty isolated, so most people will not see these damaging winds,” Rubin-Oster said.

The weather made an appearance at Camden Yards, where the Orioles-Phillies game entered a rain delay at 2:28 p.m. and resumed shortly after 4 p.m. Fans were smart to keep their ponchos handy. Another rain delay came at 5:19 p.m. in the 5th inning as the Phillies were up 8-0 and the downpour started up again forcing the grounds crew to bring out the tarp. The game was called after the second rain delay.

Although the worst of it is expected Sunday, forecasters anticipate persistent storms are likely to follow through the week as temperatures remain in the upper 80s and humidity is high.

How is the forecast for Ocean City?

Ocean City forecast

• 🌤️ Best beach time: Morning into early afternoon
• ⛈️ Storm timing: The evening
• ⚡ Biggest hazard: Lightning from storms
• 🌊 Surf/rip current risk: Low
• 🚗 Travel impacts: Slippery roads

People looking to get their feet wet at the beach should aim to get there on the earlier side of the day and head home before storms roll in.

Storms will begin Sunday night and Monday appears to be a “more unsettled day,” Rubin-Oster said.

This article has been updated.