At least two likely tornadoes touched down in Montgomery County, Maryland, on Wednesday night, weather officials said.
Several counties in Maryland had been under tornado warnings for the evening, with damage from the storms already reported in the same county.
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for central Montgomery County Wednesday evening after a confirmed tornado was located near Poolesville, Maryland — about 20 miles northwest of Washington, D.C.
“This is a particularly dangerous situation,” the NWS said while urging people to take cover.
In this screen grab from a video, debris flies through the air after a possible tornado in Gaithersburg, Maryland, on June 5, 2024.
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The chief spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service said on X there is tornado damage in the area of Montgomery County, with at least three structures having collapsed. Officials were working to get those trapped out, the spokesperson said.
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A flood watch has also been issued for the D.C.-Baltimore area through 10 p.m. ET due to heavy rain expected to move through the region. Up to 4 inches of rain will be possible locally, which could cause some flooding.
In this screen grab from a video, a possible tornado is shown in Gaithersburg, Maryland on June 5, 2024.
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The heavy rain is forecast to move through Philadelphia to New York City overnight. By 7 a.m. Thursday, lingering rain is possible for NYC, with heavy rain moving into southern New England.
Other parts of Maryland under tornado warnings are Baltimore County, Harford County, Dundalk, Essex, Rosedale and Middle River, the NWS announced on its X account.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Severe weather struck Maryland on Tuesday, causing widespread damage and prompting two possible tornado touchdowns across multiple counties. The storm system brought heavy rain, strong winds, and hail to the region, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The first possible tornado touchdown occurred in Frederick County, where residents reported seeing a funnel cloud and hearing loud roaring noises. The storm damaged several homes and knocked down trees and power lines. The National Weather Service is currently investigating the damage to determine if a tornado did indeed touch down in the area.
The second possible tornado touchdown occurred in Montgomery County, where residents also reported seeing a funnel cloud and experiencing strong winds. The storm caused significant damage to homes and businesses, with reports of roofs being ripped off and debris scattered throughout the area. Again, the National Weather Service is assessing the damage to determine if a tornado was responsible for the destruction.
Severe weather events like tornadoes are not uncommon in Maryland, especially during the spring and summer months when warm, moist air collides with cold fronts. Tornadoes can form quickly and without warning, making it crucial for residents to stay informed and prepared for severe weather conditions.
In the event of a tornado warning, it is important to seek shelter in a sturdy building or basement, away from windows and doors. If caught outside during a tornado, lie flat in a low-lying area such as a ditch or culvert and cover your head with your hands.
It is also important to have an emergency preparedness plan in place, including a designated meeting spot for family members and a stocked emergency kit with essential supplies such as food, water, medications, and a flashlight.
As the cleanup efforts begin in the wake of the severe weather in Maryland, residents are urged to stay vigilant and report any damage or injuries to local authorities. By staying informed and prepared, we can better protect ourselves and our communities from the destructive forces of severe weather.
