The National Weather Service has issued a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH for Montgomery County until 4:00PM EDT. At 10:07AM, Doppler radar indicated several clusters of strong storms moving through Virginia. Some of these storms may reach and exceed severe limits as the morning progresses.
These storms are expected to continue to intensify and become more wide spread late this morning and afternoon in response to an approaching front.
The primary threat with these storms include extremely heavy rain, large hail, deadly cloud to ground lightning.
Those with outdoor plans this evening should monitor the skies and be prepared for threatenings 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.
In the event of a Severe Thunderstorm Warning:
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, if possible.