The National Weather Service has issued a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH for Montgomery County until 10:00PM EDT. Severe Thunderstorms have formed this afternoon along an approaching front. At 4:13, Doppler radar indicated a cluster of severe thunderstorms over Fairfax and Loudoun Counties in VA. These storms are capable of producing damaging winds in excess of 70MPH, large hail over 1.5 inches, and deadly cloud to ground lightning.
These storms are expected to intensify and become more wide spread this afternoon and evening.
Those with outdoor plans this evening should monitor the skies and be prepared for threatening weather. If you are outdoor and storm approaches, seek safe shelter indoors.
A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH means conditions are favorable for severe storms in and close to the watch area. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce tornadoes with little or no advanced warning. Residents should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
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.