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1 dead, 1 missing as severe storms pound Md.

A 42-year-old woman was found dead in the water Monday after boating during the storm; a 40-year-old man she was with is missing

By Colin Campbell
The Baltimore Sun

BALTIMORE, Md. A series of severe storms blew through the Baltimore region Monday evening, bringing heavy rain, lightning and strong winds that factored into at least one death, officials say. The storms are expected to last through Tuesday.

Natural Resources Police found a 42-year-old woman dead Monday in the water in Anne Arundel County where she had been boating during the storm with a 40-year-old Pasadenaman, who is missing, spokeswoman Candy Thomson said. The two left Sunday between 10 a.m. and noon, and their boat was found washed up on the rocks at Sparrows Point, Thomson said. The woman was identified as Brigette Marchand, of Annapolis.

Another sailor ignored warnings of bad weather and had to be rescued by a ranger when his boat capsized off Sandy Point State Park, Thomson said.

The storm also downed trees and power lines as a tornado threat loomed in parts of Baltimore County and southern Harford County, weather service and fire officials said.

National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Jackson said rotational winds, but no funnel, were reported in Harford. Depending on the damage reports, the service may send out a crew to see if one touched down.

Lightning illuminated the Baltimore sky Monday. The weather service does not track lightning reports, but Jackson said it isn’t abnormal. “This is the time of year for lightning,” he said.

The severe weather — which has also prompted flood warnings in Cecil County and the possibility of hail and damaging winds throughout the region for Tuesday — should end by the evening, when the large, low-pressure system that’s causing it is expected to pass, Jackson said.

“Until it does, be prepared for active weather,” he said.

The weather service cautioned drivers of the risks of being out on the roads in dangerous conditions. Drive slowly in hazardous conditions and if you see standing water, turn around, Jackson said.

High winds can be just as treacherous, as they brought down utility poles in Fallston, Bel Air, Aberdeen and Benson on Monday, and could wreak additional havoc Tuesday, he said. Harford County Fire & EMS officials said county crews also were responding to reports of flooding, lightning strikes and downed trees early Monday evening.

Monday began cloudy with high temperatures and humidity. Tuesday is forecast to follow a similar pattern, leading to afternoon and evening storms.

The weather service warned earlier in the day that afternoon storms could bring heavy downpours and damaging winds. Similar weather was expected overnight.

Forecasters issued a flash flood watch for Cecil County that is in effect until Tuesday evening. Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to keep an eye out for further alerts.

Once the storms clear out early Wednesday, the weather service is forecasting a pleasant end to the week with temperatures in the low 80s.

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©2014 The Baltimore Sun

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