Severe Thunderstorm Warning Tonight: Live Updates, Impact Zones & Urgent Safety Tips

Tuesday, July 8 2025—The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple severe thunderstorm warnings this afternoon as a potent line of storms races eastward across the Mid-Atlantic and parts of the Upper Midwest. H2: Areas Under the Current Severe Thunderstorm Warning • Western Maryland: Washington, Frederick and Jefferson counties remain under a warning until at least 3:45 p.m. EDT after Doppler radar indicated storms capable of producing 60 mph wind gusts, quarter-size hail and blinding cloud-to-ground lightning. • Wisconsin’s Florence County: A separate warning was posted at 2:40 p.m. CDT, highlighting similar wind threats and torrential downpours that could trigger isolated flash flooding. • Broader Mid-Atlantic Corridor: The Storm Prediction Center places the region in a slight-risk zone, signaling an elevated chance for damaging winds and isolated hail through the evening hours. H2: What to Expect This Afternoon and Evening • Wind Damage: Straight-line gusts strong enough to topple trees and down power lines. • Large Hail: Up to 1 inch in diameter could dent vehicles and damage roofs. • Lightning: Frequent strikes pose an immediate danger to anyone outdoors. • Torrential Rain: Rainfall rates topping 1–2 inches per hour may lead to urban street flooding, especially in low-lying spots. H2: Safety Actions to Take Now 1. Seek sturdy shelter immediately—stay away from windows and move to an interior room on the lowest floor. 2. If driving, pull over; strong crosswinds and ponding water can cause loss of control. 3. Secure outdoor furniture, grills and trash cans before winds intensify. 4. Charge mobile devices and have flashlights ready in case of power outages. 5. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio or the NWS mobile app for updated warnings; storms may redevelop into the late evening. H2: Travel and Event Impacts • Air travel delays are possible at hubs from Baltimore-Washington to Philadelphia as storm cells move along the I-95 corridor. • Outdoor concerts and ballgames are likely to be postponed or canceled. • Evening commuters should allot extra time and watch for debris on rural roads. H2: Forecast Outlook The cold front sparking today’s severe thunderstorms will continue sliding south overnight, bringing a chance for additional rumbles of thunder before skies clear toward dawn on Wednesday. Behind the front, lower humidity and seasonable temperatures are expected to return mid-week. Stay weather-aware, heed all severe thunderstorm warnings immediately and share this update with friends and family who may be in the storm’s path.