Part of northern Maryland is under a tornado warning as severe weather continues to batter the region. As the storm system moves across the eastern U.S., a number of tornado watches and warnings have been issued, stretching from the Florida Panhandle to Virginia, and the National Weather Service is monitoring the situation closely.
Tornado Watch Issued for Northern Maryland
On Thursday, March 16, 2026 tornado warnings and watches have been issued for parts of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. This comes after a record-breaking warm day in the region, which has been followed by potentially dangerous weather conditions.
Tornado watches and warnings indicate that conditions are favorable for the formation of tornadoes, and residents are advised to stay alert. The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for parts of northern Maryland as severe storms impact the region. Additionally, tornado watches are in effect for parts of northern Virginia and the D.C. area.
Severe Storms Bring Potential for Tornadoes to the Eastern U.S.
The most intense storms are expected between 3 and 6 p.m., with the potential for wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph and/or tornadoes.
The severe weather situation is part of a larger storm system sweeping across the Eastern United States, disrupting travel and school as it brings the potential for widespread storms and even tornadoes. The storm system is expected to continue moving eastward, with the possibility of severe weather extending into Maryland, Virginia, and the Washington D.C. area.
The Capital Weather Gang (CWG) has been actively tracking the storm and providing updates to ensure public safety. As of now, the most intense storms are expected to hit between 3 and 6 p.m., with the potential for wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph and/or tornadoes.
Stay Informed: Real-Time Tracking and Alerts
Residents can stay informed by tracking the storms in real-time using various tools. The live tornado tracker map provides real-time updates and detailed information on tornado activities, loaded 2-5 minutes faster using data from the National Weather Service (NWS) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
For the most current information, residents can refer to the National Weather Service's active alerts, which include updates on excessive rainfall, national river flooding, tornado outlooks, and more.
Additionally, StormCenter offers a live storm chasing map, allowing users to track spotters, see all storm and tornado reports, and watch storms unfold live. This map provides a comprehensive view of the last 24 hours of storms and includes every storm day in the last two decades. These resources are invaluable for staying ahead of the storm and ensuring safety.
"In weather forecasting, timeliness and accuracy are crucial. With real-time tracking and advanced warning systems, we can better prepare communities for severe weather events. " says Dr. Emily Thompson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
