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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.

The City of Gaithersburg, in partnership with The Peterson Companies and Rio, will host the 24th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Rio on Saturday, March 14.

The parade begins at 10am along Grand Corner Avenue at Rio, located near Rio Boulevard and Grand Corner Avenue. Free parking will be available in three garages along Washingtonian Boulevard.

Dozens of units are expected to participate in the parade, including Celtic dancers, bagpipe bands, school and community groups, fire trucks, equestrian units, service organizations, and costumed characters.

Dorothy Winder, a retired City of Gaithersburg employee who served as the parade’s lead planner for nearly 15 years, will serve as this year’s Grand Marshal. The parade will be emceed by Carolyn Muller, Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture for the City of Gaithersburg.

Following the parade, visitors can take part in Rio’s Shamrock Stroll around the lakefront, featuring one-day sales and specials at participating shops and restaurants, along with live music and activities. Participating businesses will display a large green shamrock on their doors.

Special promotions and activities include free green BurgerFi sunglasses and a shamrock necklace with the purchase of a Shamrock Shake or Luck of the Irish Green Beer at BurgerFi, a free five-count of Cinnasweeties with green frosting at Auntie Anne’s/Cinnabon with the purchase of any baked good until 2pm, and buy-one-get-one offers at Koi Sushi and Fantasticks.

California Pizza Kitchen will host a tent with BOGO offers and giveaways from 11am to 1pm, while Barnes & Noble will hold a family storytime at 11am.

Dave & Buster’s will host a “Luck of the Arcade Breakfast Bash” from 8am to 10am, followed by a Plinko prize game at its Boardwalk tent from 11am to 1pm.

Locally Crafted Workshop will offer a St. Patrick’s Day crafting workshop from 10:30am to 1pm. The activity is open to all ages and costs $15 with advance registration or $18 at the door.

Additional promotions include Amazing Lash Studio offering discounts on services, Le Macaron running a “Lucky 15” promotion where customers who buy a box of 12 macarons receive three free, and Yard House serving green beer and specialty St. Patrick’s Day cocktails.

City officials note that participation in the parade by groups or organizations other than City departments or committees does not constitute endorsement by the City of Gaithersburg.