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Baltimore Tornado Alert Halts Flights, Cuts Power; Ohio Watch Issued

8/11/2026

48 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

NWS Tornado Alerts

The U.S. National Weather Service issued tornado warnings for Baltimore Monday, covering 558,912 residents and 122 schools.
The warnings ran from 4:14 PM to 4:45 PM ET and reported 80 mph gusts in Howard and Baltimore counties.
The FAA grounded departures at BWI, Reagan National and Dulles airports until 5:45 PM ET.
Over 25,500 BGE customers lost power.
The Maryland Transportation Authority closed I-895 lanes past exit 1 after a large tree fell.

Summary

Storms Prompt Alerts

A tornado warning for Gallia, Meigs, Vinton counties, Ohio and Mason County, WV ran from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on August 10, 2026.
Radar detected a thunderstorm near Rutland, Ohio at 6 p.m., expanded to a 45,000-foot cell, dropped golf-ball hail in Cheshire, Ohio and Camp Conley, WV, and never produced a tornado touchdown.
Meteorologists warned of storms, watches Tuesday, and rain that could raise the Great Kanawha and Ohio rivers to levels.

History

Historical Context

In April 1974 a 24-hour super-outbreak struck 13 states, producing at least 148 tornadoes, 30 violent F4/5 twisters and over 300 deaths, prompting a major reorganization of the National Weather Service and expanded broadcast warnings. The 2026 Baltimore severe-weather warning, which halted flights at three major airports and left 25,500 customers without power for 558,912 residents, tests modern alert systems and grid-hardening investments.

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NWS Tornado Alerts

The U.S. National Weather Service issued tornado warnings for Baltimore Monday, covering 558,912 residents and 122 schools.
The warnings ran from 4:14 PM to 4:45 PM ET and reported 80 mph gusts in Howard and Baltimore counties.
The FAA grounded departures at BWI, Reagan National and Dulles airports until 5:45 PM ET.
Over 25,500 BGE customers lost power.
The Maryland Transportation Authority closed I-895 lanes past exit 1 after a large tree fell.

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