Showers will continue in Central Maryland for the next few hours before another system passes through the region late Wednesday night that will bring 40-50 mph wind gusts Thursday.

About a quarter to half an inch of rain has fallen in the Baltimore area since the downpours began earlier in the day, according to Cody Ledbetter, a meteorologist with the Baltimore Washington office of the National Weather Service.

Severe thunderstorm watches remain in effect until 6 p.m. for Anne Arundel County in Central Maryland, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties in Southern Maryland, and Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties in Eastern Maryland.

Ledbetter said the rain should stop within the next few hours before a less threatening system passes through the area between 10 p.m. and midnight. Though the rain is winding down, wind is a concern.

“We’re going to get a strong push of northwest winds. For much of the day tomorrow, you could get wind gusts up to 40-50 mph,” Ledbetter said.

The National Weather Service has issued a small craft advisory until 6 a.m. Thursday, and a gale warning will be in place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday.

An isolated tornado or two is possible for the region, according to the NWS.

Officials reminded people it’s important to have a way to get weather warnings, whether it’s on phones, television or the internet.

The State Highway Administration reminded drivers to watch for intersections without power if they are driving through storms Wednesday.

Nick Alexopulos, a Baltimore Gas and Electric spokesperson, said in an email the company increased staff ahead of the storm “to ensure crews are available to respond to any power outages as quickly and safely as possible.”

The increased staff includes 350 mutual assistance personnel, he said.

In any severe storm, Alexopulos said, about half of all service interruptions are caused by trees and tree limbs falling, which is especially acute during high-wind events.

BGE asked that customers report any power outages either on the BGE website, using the BGE mobile app, texting or calling BGE.

The Baltimore County Fire Department posted a reminder on social media to stay away from windows near trees, which can cause damage during storms with strong winds.

Howard County government also posted safety reminders on social media urging residents to charge their cellphones, electric vehicles and battery-powered equipment they might need, along with reminding residents to turn on emergency alerts.