Strong storms and isolated tornado risk forecast for Maryland

Severe storms are expected to move across Maryland Friday afternoon and evening, with the Baltimore area likely affected during the evening commute.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Central Maryland until 8 p.m.

and the Eastern Shore until 10 p.m.

Damaging wind gusts are the main threat, with the strongest storms capable of gusts up to 60 mph and heavy downpours.

An isolated tornado is possible, especially in northeastern Maryland, but forecasters describe the risk as low.

The storms follow a warm spell, with Friday afternoon temperatures reaching the upper 70s to around 80 degrees.

Colder, windy weather will follow the storms, with Saturday morning temperatures in the 40s and 50s and gusts of 25 to 35 mph.

Rain is expected to clear early Saturday, while breezy conditions continue through the day and winds ease by Saturday night.