The National Weather Service has issued a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH for Montgomery County and the region until 8:00 PM. Severe Thunderstorms are likely this afternoon and evening. Primary threat with any storms is a high risk of damaging winds, deadly cloud to ground lightening, flash flooding and isolated tornado's.
Those with outdoor plans this evening should monitor the skies and be prepared for threatening weather. Lightning is one of the number one severe weather killers in the US. If you are outdoors 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 land line phone.
Don’t use a computer, if possible.
The safest place to be during a tornado is in a basement. Fit under a work bench or other piece of sturdy furniture. If no basement is available, seek shelter on the lowest floor in a hallway or closet. Use blankets or pillows to cover your body and always stay away from windows.
Evacuate mobile homes and vehicles immediately. Do not use highway overpasses as shelters. If no shelter is available, lie flat in the nearest ditch or other low spot and cover your head with your hands.
Do not wait to hear or see this tornado before you take action. Tornadoes that form at night and those that are rain wrapped may not be visible.