Golf-ball size hail is being reported in some storms approaching the area. The National Weather Service has issued a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING for Montgomery County until 5:15 PM. At 4:28 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated a line of severe thunderstorms approaching the County. This line will affect a majority of Montgomery County over the next hour and a half with large hail, damaging wind, significant cloud to ground lightning, and flash flooding.
All outdoor activities in the following areas should be postponed until this storm passes. Locations in the path of this storm include but are not limited to:
POOLESVILLE
ROCKVILLE
OLNEY
DAMASCUS
GERMANTOWN
I-270
GAITHERSBURG
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.