The National Weather Service has issued a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING for Montgomery County until 5:45. At 4:50, Doppler radar indicated a cluster of storms approaching the County from the West. Some of these cells are intensifying past severe limits. Large hail and damaging winds over 60MPH possible. Additional severe storms are possible this evening.
Significant cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. All outdoor activities in the following areas should be postponed until this storm passes.
Locations in the path of this storm include:
POOLESVILLE...
BOYDS...
GERMANTOWN...
GAITHERSBURG...
Severe Thunderstorms can produce tornadoes with little or no advanced warning. Residents are urged to seek safe shelter indoors until the storm passes and remain alert for any additional warnings. Any resident can report severe weather by replying to this alert, and the public is encouraged to do so. Some precautions in a thunderstorm:
Go to a safe place, such as a building or car.
If no structure is available, find an open space and squat low to the ground as quickly as possible.
Avoid tall structures such as towers, tall trees, telephone lines or power lines.
Stay away from natural lightning rods made of metal such as golf clubs, fishing rods, bicycles or metal fences.
Stay away from bodies of water and flood-prone areas.
Avoid bathtubs, water faucets and sinks because metal pipes can transmit electricity.
Turn on a battery-operated radio or television.
Don't use a cell phone or landline phone.
Don’t use a computer.