The National Weather Service has issued a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH for Montgomery County until 11:00 PM EDT. At 3:39, Doppler radar indicated several clusters of thunderstorms forming over West Virginia. Some of these storms are intensifying past severe limits and are being warned. These storms are expected to move East and become more widespread through this evening. The primary threat is damaging winds, large hail, and deadly lightning. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
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.