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Baltimore, DC Rank 2nd Highest In The Nation For Severe Storms This Year

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Baltimore and DC rank second highest in the nation for severe storms this year, second only to Oklahoma.

Baltimore and DC have seen 524 severe thunderstorm warnings so far in 2019, according to Iowa State University's data.

And on Tuesday, there's potential for more severe weather in parts of the region.

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So far this summer, there have been three tornadoes -- in Cecil County on June 13 and in Howard and Frederick counties on May 30. There was also significant wind damage reported in Baltimore and Harford counties by a macroburst on May 29. 

'It Was Like A Vortex' | Tornado Confirmed In Howard County On May 30

Two other tornadoes were reported in the spring in Columbia and Monkton.

This map shows the polygons associated with each storm threat:

It's not just tornadoes, though, that can cause significant damage.

"We've had multiple tornado warnings this year, we have seen damage from straight-line winds, from microbursts where the wind spread out," WJZ meteorologist Chelsea Ingram said. "There have been multiple issues; we've seen even hail damage."

Heat has also played a role. This July was the hottest July ever recorded on the planet, which can lead to severe weather.

"In 41 years, I've never felt it hotter, I've never seen it more violent and I've never seen the shifts more dramatic," WJZ meteorologist Marty Bass said.

Warm weather during the winter months may also be contributing to the stormy summer.

"When you have warmer air in the winter and early spring, that can all lead to more severe weather, not just in the U.S. but also here in Maryland," Ingram said.

As long as you are safe, we'd love to see your photos and video of storm damage when thunder roars. Email newsroom@wjz.com or use #BeOnWJZ on social media.

Stay up-to-date with the latest forecast by downloading the WJZ weather app.

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