The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for Howard County starting at 3 p.m. today through late tonight.

NWS reported a line of heavy rain is making its way through the Shenandoah Valley and will hit the Baltimore and Washington metro areas this afternoon and evening. NWS predicted rainfall beween one and one and a half inches over a very short period of time.

BGE announced that residents should expect wind gusts between 40 to 50 mph.

“While we have enjoyed unseasonably mild weather the past two days, we expect conditions to drastically change with an approaching cold front that will likely bring thunderstorms and high wind and wind gusts to BGE’s service area later this evening,” said Jeannette M. Mills, vice president and chief customer officer for BGE. Mills urged customers who lose power to be patient during the storm as crews may be working in dangerous conditions.

The Maryland State Highway Administration warned motorists to be "extra vigilant" during their evening commutes and said the afternoon rush hour may be extrememly slow and congested.

“The combination of flooding rain and high winds could create a potentially treacherous drive home this afternoon,” said Melinda B. Peters, SHA Administrator.  “Motorists should not attempt to drive through high or standing water on roadways or try to maneuver around downed wires--- play it safe and turn around.”

The watch has been issued for most parts of Maryland, including Anne Arundel, Carroll, Frederick and Harford Couties.