After heat scorched the Baltimore region, heavy rain and 70 mph winds ripped through the area during Tuesday’s evening commute and led to power outages, road closures and a fire possibly caused by a lightning strike.

Several weather alerts warning of thunderstorms and flash floods were issued for Baltimore and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford and Howard counties.

The Baltimore Gas and Electric Outage Map showed more than 7,000 customers without power, most of whom are in Anne Arundel and Harford counties, around 9 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Baltimore County Fire Department responded to a basement fire at a home in the 6700 block of Mallard Road that was caused by a lightning strike.

One person was home at the time and got out safely. Two firefighters suffered heat exhaustion — one was treated at the scene, and the other was taken to a hospital and later released.

Between 5:23 and 5:34 p.m., there were 32 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes recorded within a mile of the home. One strike at 5:34 p.m. is believed to have hit the house directly, officials said.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning, with 70 mph winds and a special marine warning for dangerous waves and winds on the Chesapeake Bay and Baltimore Harbor. Officials also extended a flood watch for the Baltimore region until midnight.

The Maryland State Highway Administration recommended delaying travel Tuesday evening on the highways due to strong winds, heavy rain and possible hail.

The storms knocked down trees throughout the region.

A downed tree prompted Anne Arundel County Police to shut down Owensville Road at Muddy Creek Road in Galesville.

Baltimore officials declared a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert for Tuesday, when the heat index could reach 105 degrees.

The alert, which comes after a similar one weeks ago, signals dangerous conditions for people outdoors, and means the city will open cooling centers where people can escape the heat. The heat index is what the outside temperature feels like when the temperature and relative humidity are combined.

The NWS also issued a heat advisory until 7 p.m. for the region, including Baltimore, southern Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore.

The NWS forecast bulletin says a heat index of 107 degrees is possible closer to the Chesapeake Bay.

“This is a time for all of us to take extra precautions — stay hydrated, limit outdoor exposure when possible, and check on others — especially older adults, children, those with preexisting health conditions and pets," interim Health Commissioner Mary Beth Haller said in a statement.

Heat, the deadliest form of extreme weather, killed at least 25 Marylanders last summer.

Nine heat-related deaths have been reported in Maryland so far this year, according to the latest available data from the Maryland Department of Health. One of them was in Baltimore.

For a list of cooling centers, refer to the city’s website.

This article may be updated.