The National Weather Service has issued a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH for Montgomery County until 12:00 AM EST. Severe Thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening. At 5:07 PM, Doppler radar indicated storms forming West of the County. These storm are expected to move ENE and intensify. Large Hail and damaging winds possible.
Those with outdoor plans this evening should monitor the skies and be prepared for threatening weather. Lightning is the number one severe weather killer in the U.S. If you are outdoors and a 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 land line phone.
Don’t use a computer.