The Atlantic Hurricane and Summer Storm Season officially began on June 1 and will run through November. Montgomery County’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) is joining the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service (NWS) in urging community members to familiarize themselves with what to do before, during and after a severe storm.
While it is possible for a hurricane or tropical storm to impact the County, the greater summer weather threats are flooding, hail, lightning strikes and strong winds. Thunderstorms can occur singly or in clusters or lines and typically produce heavy rain for a brief period. During severe thunderstorms there is a risk that a tornado could occur.
“During the summer months, it is important to know the difference between a weather watch and warning, and understand that when a warning is announced, it is important to take immediate action,” said OEMHS Director Earl Stoddard. “I encourage everyone to sign-up for Alert Montgomery to receive emergency updates to protect you and your loved ones.”
NWS Advisory/Watch/Warning:
Advisory:
Highlights weather conditions less serious than a warning.
A weather event that may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
Watch:
Be prepared.
Conditions are right for the event to happen.
May last several hours.
Time to plan for the possibility of the event.
Warning:
The weather event is happening.
Time to take immediate action.
Usually limited to a short period of time (around 30 minutes).
Alert Montgomery is the County’s emergency notification system. Subscribers can register to receive real-time information on their mobile devices, landlines or Everbridge app.
The upgraded app offers immediate and anonymous opt-in and the opportunity to see what is happening in other areas, among other features. In addition to weather emergencies, subscribers can opt to receive alerts about school closures, government closures, gas leaks, severe weather, traffic, park closures, public health and other public emergencies.
Regardless of the alerts you choose to receive, all account holders will receive tornado warnings and other critical emergency notifications. The free service is available to anyone who signs up on the Alert Montgomery website.
Visit the OEMHS website for more information on severe summer storms.