STERLING VA: (Rocktown Now) – The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Watch through 8 p.m. today, covering a wide stretch of north‑central and western Maryland, northwest Virginia, and eastern and panhandle West Virginia.

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

Maryland Counties Under the Watch

  • Washington County
  • Allegany County
  • Garrett County

Virginia Counties and Independent City Included

  • City of Winchester
  • Clarke County
  • Frederick County
  • Shenandoah County
  • Warren County

West Virginia Counties Included

  • Grant County
  • Hampshire County
  • Hardy County
  • Mineral County
  • Berkeley County
  • Jefferson County
  • Morgan County

Communities Affected

The watch area includes several population centers and smaller communities such as Hagerstown, Cumberland, Frostburg, Oakland, Martinsburg, Charles Town, Shepherdstown, Front Royal, Strasburg, Winchester, Woodstock, Keyser, Romney, Moorefield, Petersburg, Fort Ashby, Paw Paw, and Mountain Lake Park.

Residents across the region are urged to stay alert for rapidly changing weather conditions and be prepared to take shelter if a warning is issued.