Update: Boyds, Clarksburg and Damascus are under a Tornado Warning until noon.
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Due to forecasts for severe weather Monday, Montgomery County Public Schools will dismiss early and Maryland is under a State of Preparedness.
Multiple rounds of strong to severe storms are expected Monday afternoon with the possibility for some tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
As of about 11 a.m. Montgomery County is under a tornado watch until 7 p.m. According to NWS, a tornado watch is issued when a tornado is possible, versus a tornado warning, which is issued when a tornado is happening or expected soon.
Wind gusts could get up to 70-80 mph.
“This is serious, folks,” Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer said in a video on social media.
Piringer said the weather is expected to come into the county between noon and 4 p.m.
He added that it is “pretty rare” for NWS to activate level 4, which is moderate risk of severe thunderstorms, for this area during this time of year.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a State of Preparedness due to the forecast.
“The safety of Maryland families comes first,” Moore said in a written statement. “I am urging residents to prepare early, stay informed, and adjust plans, including postponing travel, as conditions change. Know the safest room at home or at work, and plan to be indoors before the storm arrives.”
According to Russ Strickland, Secretary of the state Department of Emergency Management, residents should charge their devices, sign up for local emergency alerts, stay home if possible, and review their emergency plans including where to shelter if there is a tornado warning.
Montgomery County residents can sign up for Alert Montgomery to get emergency weather alerts through text, voice message, and email.
For Metro riders, users are advised to check online for potential updates on impacts to service.
