Hail, Flooding and Gusty Winds: Hazardous Weather in Howard County

There is nothing good about the latest National Weather Service (NWS) alert.

A hazardous weather outlook is calling for scattered thunderstorms Thursday evening; some may become strong with the possibility of producing damaging wind gusts and large hail. 

Rainfall could reach rates of two inches in less than an hour Friday, which may lead to flash flooding, so keep an eye out on nearby streams and the Patapsco River.

Along with all of this comes a code orange air quality alert. That means particulate matter and other polution levels may become unhealthy, especially for asthmatics, the elderly and people with heart or lung diseases. 

NWS suggests avoiding strenuous activity or outdoor exercise. For more information about particulate matter—molecules of things such as acids, metals, soils and other dusts or chemicals—check out the interactive map on the Maryland Department of Environment's website.