The National Weather Service’s Mount Holly office issued a series of severe-thunderstorm warnings for Maryland’s Eastern Shore on the evening of 8 July. Communities from Chestertown and Centreville to Stevensville, Easton and St. Michaels were placed under alerts in effect between 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. EDT. Forecasters said the fast-moving storms could generate destructive straight-line winds of 70–80 mph, capable of downing trees and power lines. Residents in the warned areas were urged to seek shelter immediately as the cells advanced across Kent Island and portions of Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties.