ED Doctor Near Germantown, MD

A Tornado Watch has been issued for much of Maryland, including Montgomery County, as a line of severe thunderstorms moves through the region late Monday morning.

The National Weather Service issued Tornado Watch 67, which remains in effect until 7pm and includes Montgomery County along with Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Frederick, Howard, Prince George’s, Washington and several other counties across the state.

The watch means atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes.

At the same time, the National Weather Service in Sterling also issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning at 10:57am for portions of Montgomery and Frederick counties in Maryland, as well as areas of northern Virginia and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

Meteorologists said a line of severe storms stretching from near Inwood, West Virginia to Warrenton, Virginia was moving northeast at approximately 55 mph. Radar indicated the storms were capable of producing wind gusts up to 70 mph.

Communities in the storm’s path include Germantown, Gaithersburg, Frederick, Leesburg, Hagerstown, Ashburn, Herndon, Warrenton, Poolesville, and surrounding areas.

The primary threat with the line of storms is damaging wind that could bring down trees and large branches, potentially blocking roadways and causing localized power outages. Officials also warn that unsecured outdoor objects could become airborne projectiles in strong wind gusts.

Forecasters caution that tornadoes can sometimes develop quickly within severe thunderstorm lines. Residents are advised to remain alert and be prepared to move to a basement or small interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building if a tornado warning is issued.

The Tornado Watch remains in effect until 7pm as the threat for severe weather continues across the region through the afternoon and evening.

A winter fireplace meant to keep a Maryland family warm ended with flames tearing through their home — injuring a firefighter and forcing four into the cold.

Firefighters were dispatched to a large single-family home in the 11000 block of Brink Road in Germantown on Tuesday, Jan. 27, after residents reported smoke coming from the garage, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue officials.

Crews arrived to find a garage fire that had already extended into the home, with flames spreading through the crawl space and walls.

The fire quickly escalated, prompting a massive response that included 10 engines, five ladder trucks, a heavy rescue unit, six water tankers, and multiple EMS units, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesperson Pete Piringer said.

Firefighters battled what was described as a “running fuel fire” in a non-hydrant area as thick smoke poured from the home, and ladders were raised to the upper floors.

During the firefight, one firefighter was injured and transported to a local hospital. Officials said the firefighter is expected to be treated and released.

The fire was eventually brought under control, but the damage was severe.

According to Piringer, the blaze caused more than $400,000 in damage and displaced a family of four — two adults and two children — along with several cats.

Investigators later determined the fire was accidental.

Officials said the cause was improperly discarded fireplace ashes that had been placed in a plastic container inside the garage earlier in the week. The ashes ignited nearby combustible materials, sparking the fire.

No civilian injuries were reported.

Fire officials continue to remind residents to properly dispose of fireplace ashes in metal containers and store them outside, away from structures, as embers can remain hot for days.