Severe Thunderstorm Warning and Tornado Watch Issued for Parts of Maryland and Northern Virginia – The MoCo Show

A Tornado Watch has been issued for much of Maryland, including Montgomery County, as a line of severe thunderstorms moves through the region late Monday morning.

The National Weather Service issued Tornado Watch 67, which remains in effect until 7pm and includes Montgomery County along with Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Frederick, Howard, Prince George’s, Washington and several other counties across the state.

The watch means atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes.

At the same time, the National Weather Service in Sterling also issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning at 10:57am for portions of Montgomery and Frederick counties in Maryland, as well as areas of northern Virginia and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

Meteorologists said a line of severe storms stretching from near Inwood, West Virginia to Warrenton, Virginia was moving northeast at approximately 55 mph. Radar indicated the storms were capable of producing wind gusts up to 70 mph.

Communities in the storm’s path include Germantown, Gaithersburg, Frederick, Leesburg, Hagerstown, Ashburn, Herndon, Warrenton, Poolesville, and surrounding areas.

The primary threat with the line of storms is damaging wind that could bring down trees and large branches, potentially blocking roadways and causing localized power outages. Officials also warn that unsecured outdoor objects could become airborne projectiles in strong wind gusts.

Forecasters caution that tornadoes can sometimes develop quickly within severe thunderstorm lines. Residents are advised to remain alert and be prepared to move to a basement or small interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building if a tornado warning is issued.

The Tornado Watch remains in effect until 7pm as the threat for severe weather continues across the region through the afternoon and evening.