UPDATE: A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect.

Original story below…

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NOTTINGHAM, MD—In addition you the previously posted posted Flash Flood Watch, the National Weather Service has also issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the Nottingham area.

A Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm-force winds are possible within the next 48 hours.

Forecasters say residents should plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force. Efforts to protect property should now be underway. Prepare for limited wind damage.

Expect damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects will be blown about. Many large tree limbs may break off from trees.

Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways are possible as well as scattered power and communications outages.

Be prepared to leave immediately if evacuation orders are given.

Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas, destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Streets and parking lots may become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions can quickly become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures are possible with some potentially being weakened or washed out.

Residents should closely monitor local forecasts.