For Immediate Release:  Tuesday, June 5, 2024

Montgomery County Officials Provide Severe Weather Update; Urge Residents to Stay Away from Downed Wires 

In the aftermath of two likely tornadoes earlier this evening, Montgomery County's Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) are advising residents to exercise caution when outside and to report any downed wires to the Montgomery County Police Department's non-emergency line at 301-279-8000 unless there is imminent life safety risk.  Call 911 only to report life-threatening emergencies.  

There are reports of two likely tornados touching down in the County. The National Weather Service and OEMHS are currently doing ground assessments to confirm. County public safety officials report that at least four houses were damaged by downed trees. There have been five non-life-threatening injuries reported.

Between 6 and 8:30 p.m., Montgomery County Fire Rescue Services communications responded to 88 total incidents and approximately 35 were storm related.  There were reports of five trees on houses, ten reports of wires down and nine personal injury collisions.

As of 10:30 p.m., approximately 650 homes are without power.  Power outages should be reported to your power company -- BG&E (877-778-2222) / First Energy/Potomac Edison (1-888-544-4877)  /  PEPCO (1-877-737-2662).  

The County's Department of Transportation's (MCDOT) Storm Operations Center is open and is responding to reports of downed trees. To report a downed tree, complete a service request at https://www3.montgomerycountymd.gov/311/SolutionView.aspx?SolutionId=1-27LDL1  or call the Montgomery County Police Department's non-emergency line at 301-279-8000.  DOT reports that some roads are closed because of storm damage.

OEMHS provides the following tips for what to do following a tornado:

• Keep your family together and wait for emergency personnel to arrive.
• Stay away from power lines and puddles with wires in them.
• Watch your step for broken glass, nails and other sharp objects.
• Stay out of heavily damaged houses or buildings; they could still collapse.
• Do not use matches or lighters in case there is a gas leak.

For timely severe weather and emergency notifications, sign up for Alert Montgomery at   alert.montgomerycountymd.gov.

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Media Contact:  Barry Hudson, 240-300-7348 or Mary Anderson, 301-529-7669