Tornado Watch Issued Until 10:00 pm

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930, mebrady@co.pg.md.us

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for Prince George's County and surrounding jurisdictions until 10:00 pm tonight.  Strong storms with gusty winds and heavy rains are likely to occur during the late afternoon and evening hours.  Everyone should take precautions in the event damaging weather does occur.

One of our slogans we use when severe weather is forecast for our area or is affecting our area is to "Stay Informed-Stay Ready-Stay Safe."  To Stay Informed, the Fire/EMS Department provides you with easy to use methods to stay aware of events in your community in addition to monitoring TV, Radio, NOAA weather radio and Internet websites.


Would you know if severe weather was forecast and approaching your community??  Would you know where to go for shelter or when the all clear was given by government officials??  Deadly tornado's ravaged communities across several States killing dozens of people over the past few days.  The death toll could have been higher, however, early severe weather and tornado forecasts alerted residents to seek shelter early.  If severe weather was forecast for Prince George's County would you receive a early warning??

The Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department maintains Twitter and Facebook accounts that allow citizens and residents to follow and read weather alerts as well as Fire/EMS incident updates, safety messages, personnel profiles, access to department wide websites, contact information and much more.  During times of emergencies and local crisis the Twitter and Facebook accounts are constantly monitored and capable of responding to inquires from members of the County.

News and Weather alerts can also be delivered directly to you.  Notify Me Prince George will send you a text message in several formats and it's easy to sign up.  Notify Me Prince George's is a service provided to alert registered users during major events and/or local emergencies. Notify Me Prince George's will deliver important emergency information and updates to your registered devices:

• email account (work, home, other)

• cell phone (via SMS)

• pager

Simply click here to get started.  


Administered by the Prince George’s County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, NotifyMe Prince George’s, allows enrolled county citizens and residents to be informed of real time events taking place such as amber alerts, severe weather, school and government delays and closings, severe traffic, utility interruptions and emergency preparedness measures.

“We highly encourage all Prince George’s County citizens to sign up for these alerts as we will provide instructions on where to go, what to do, and who to contact in the event of an emergency. These notifications will be very useful during a mass power outage or any type of natural disaster, such as major flooding, which our county experienced back in September,” said Prince George’s County Office of Homeland Securities’ Rhonda Jackson

Local government officials will provide registered participants with necessary information and instructions on a variety of issues. You must register on The Prince George’s County website to activate the alert system. It's free, and once registered, citizens can individually choose what information they would like to receive on their prospective devices.

To Stay Ready, prepare an Emergency Kit and keep it stocked with items recommended here.