Montgomery County’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Offers Tips to Prepare for the Summer Storm Season

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, June 1, 2022

The Atlantic Hurricane and Summer Storm Season officially begins on June 1 and will run through November. Montgomery County’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) joins the Maryland Department of Emergency Management 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, thunderstorms, 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 acting OEMHS Director Marianne Souders. “I encourage everyone to sign-up for Alert Montgomery to receive emergency updates to protect you and your loved ones.”   

NWS Watch/Warning: 

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)

Sign up for the County's Alert Montgomery notification system to receive emergency alerts regarding weather and other emergency information. The Alert Montgomery System provides accurate and immediate emergency notifications from Montgomery County to your cell, work, or home phones via text, email, or voice message to receive notifications about emergencies that may affect your home, workplace, child's school, or any other locations within the County.

Visit the OEMHS website for more information on severe summer storms. 

# # #

 

Release ID: 22-328
Media Contact: Monika Hammer 240-463-2442
Categories: Public Safety