Maryland tornado warning update: Live coverage post storm in Montgomery County

Tornado warnings continue for parts of Maryland near Baltimore. Thousands without power after tornado causes damage, Flood Watch issued.

As the clock strikes 9:44 p.m., tornado warnings are still in effect for areas of Maryland situated to the northeast of Baltimore. The storm that prompted these warnings is currently making its way northeast out of the D.C. and Baltimore regions, heading towards Delaware.

The aftermath of the tornado has left thousands of Maryland residents without power on this Wednesday night. The destructive storm tore through parts of the state, leaving behind a trail of extensive tree damage and downed power lines. FOX 5 meteorologists Mike Thomas and Caitlin Roth reported that the tornado touched down in Poolesville, with spotters confirming its presence as it moved eastward at a speed of 20-25 miles per hour around 7:14 p.m.

By 7:20 p.m., the tornado had reached Germantown, Gaithersburg, Montgomery Village, North Potomac, and Boyds, and it continued its path through Gaithersburg just before 7:40 p.m. Viewers were able to witness the tornado crossing 270 in Gaithersburg live during FOX 5's coverage.

Mike Thomas described the tornado's rotation as fluctuating between weakening and strengthening, urging residents in Neelsville to seek shelter as the storm progressed eastward. Caitlin Roth expressed the severity of the situation, stating that this storm was the most significant she had ever witnessed in the area. She described seeing debris being lifted into the air and power surges caused by lightning strikes. The tornado, which had crossed 270 and was captured on the skycam, was moving eastward towards central sections of Montgomery County.

Reports of damage started to surface, with downed trees reported in Gaithersburg. One particularly harrowing incident involved a tree falling into a home on Dogwood Drive, trapping five individuals inside. Fortunately, all were rescued, with four individuals sustaining non-life-threatening injuries and the fifth person being transported to the hospital as a trauma case.

In addition to the tornado warnings, a Flood Watch was issued for various parts of the Washington, D.C. region on Wednesday. Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms were expected to impact evening commutes, with the Flood Watch in effect from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the District, parts of Maryland, and areas of northern Virginia.

As the evening progressed, neighborhoods experienced heavy rainfall, leading to standing water in some areas. Drivers were cautioned to be vigilant on wet roads, as flash floods were a possibility, particularly in low-lying regions and flood-prone areas. The National Weather Service predicted rainfall amounts of one to two inches, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to three to four inches.

Looking ahead, the storms were anticipated to linger overnight and potentially affect the Thursday morning commute. However, brighter days were on the horizon, with sunshine and temperatures near 80 degrees expected for Friday and Saturday. Sunday was forecasted to be mostly sunny, with a chance of showers in the afternoon.

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