Tornado Warning Baltimore: Safety Tips & Live Updates

Severe weather swept through Maryland on Monday, August 10, 2026, bringing damaging winds, heavy rain, and the threat of flooding to the Baltimore metro and surrounding counties. While the most serious alert—a tornado warning—was issued for Garrett and Allegany counties in Western Maryland, the entire region remained under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 9 p.m. Here's what you need to know to stay safe.

What happened: Tornado warning and severe thunderstorm warnings

An early afternoon tornado warning was issued for Garrett and Allegany counties in Western Maryland, but it has since expired. That warning did not cover Baltimore City or the immediate metro area. However, the Storm Prediction Center placed most of the northern counties bordering Pennsylvania under a Scattered Risk (Level 2) for strong storms.

As the afternoon progressed, the National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of Baltimore City and Baltimore, Carroll, Howard, Montgomery, Harford, Anne Arundel, Prince George's, and Frederick counties until 4:45 p.m. A separate warning covered parts of Harford and Cecil counties until 5:15 p.m. These warnings mean that severe thunderstorms were imminent or occurring, with damaging winds as the primary threat.

Timeline: When storms hit the Baltimore metro

Most of the Baltimore area started the day dry, but storms developed in Frederick County and points west by the afternoon. The WBAL-TV 11 News forecast indicated that storms would move toward the Baltimore metro between roughly 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. CBS News Baltimore reported that severe storms and heavy rain would impact the metro between 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. The exact timing varied by location, but the message was clear: have a plan in place before the afternoon rush.

The evening commute was expected to be messy, and the BTS concert at M&T Bank Stadium could also be affected, though the chance of stormy weather was expected to peak before the concert's start. Flights at BWI Airport were halted amid the severe weather, adding to the travel disruptions.

Threats: Damaging winds, heavy rain, and flooding

The greatest threat from these storms was damaging wind gusts. The WBAL-TV forecast also mentioned heavy rain and isolated large hail. With the ground already saturated from recent rainfall, flooding was a real possibility, especially in low-lying areas and along streams. The CBS News report noted that the storms could bring damaging winds and flooding, and the WBAL-TV article highlighted heavy downpours and flooding as potential impacts.

Temperatures soared into the upper 80s and lower 90s before the storms, with high humidity making it feel even hotter. That muggy air provided the fuel for the thunderstorms.

What to do during a tornado warning or severe thunderstorm warning

If a tornado warning is issued for your area, take shelter immediately. Go to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows. If you're in a mobile home or vehicle, leave it and find a sturdy building. Use pillows, blankets, or a helmet to protect your head.

For severe thunderstorm warnings, move indoors and stay away from windows. Unplug electronics and avoid using corded phones. If you're driving, pull over to a safe location and wait for the storm to pass.

How to stay informed

Having multiple ways to receive alerts is critical. The WBAL-TV 11 News team recommends downloading their app and turning on push alerts, listening to NOAA Weather Radio, and watching local broadcasts. You can also check the interactive radar and severe weather alerts on the CBS News Baltimore website.

Don't rely on a single source, especially if the power goes out. A battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio is a reliable backup. Also, make sure your phone's emergency alerts are enabled.

Looking ahead: More storms Tuesday and Wednesday

Monday's storms were just the beginning. The active pattern continues into Tuesday and Wednesday, with Tuesday designated as another First Alert Weather Day. Clusters of storms will keep developing across the Midwest and Ohio River Valley, then track toward Maryland. Tuesday could bring even more widespread thunderstorm activity, and a third round is possible on Wednesday.

Hot and humid conditions will linger into midweek, but relief is on the way. Behind a cold front moving through later this week, highs will drop into the low to mid 80s by Friday and Saturday, bringing a break from the heat and humidity.

Final thoughts

Severe weather can develop quickly, and Monday's events show why preparation matters. Know the difference between a watch and a warning, have a plan for where to go, and keep your phone charged. For more on how technology can help you stay ahead of storms, check out our guide on AI-powered personal assistants for weather alerts.

If you're concerned about privacy while using weather apps, our article on license plate surveillance offers a broader look at how tracking technology works. And for those traveling, our airport luggage system guide has tips for navigating disruptions.

Stay safe, stay informed, and check back for updates as the forecast evolves.