Westminster Under Severe Thunderstorm Warning

CARROLL COUNTY, MD - The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning that is effective until 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5.

It includes parts of Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties as well as Loudoun County, Virginia, and Jefferson, West Virginia.

Trees and large branches may fall, injuring people, homes and vehicles. Downed trees may block roads, ,and localized power outages could occur, according to the weather service.

The warning calls for 70 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail in northwestern Carroll and Frederick counties as well as southeastern Washington County. Torrential rain has been reported, weather officials reported.

Locations impacted include Frederick, Westminster, Thurmont, Charles Town, Emmitsburg, Harry Grove Stadium, Ballenger Creek, Taneytown, Brunswick, Walkersville, Boonsboro, Braddock Heights, New Market, Mount Lena, Harpers Ferry, Green Valley, Clover Hill, Discovery-Spring Garden, Point Of Rocks and Wolfsville, according to the National Weather Service.

Weather officials advise people to stay inside - in an interior room on the lowest floor away from trees - until the threat has passed. Drivers should avoid passing underneath trees or wooded areas.