Update: Montgomery County Fireworks Starting at 9:15 PM

Updated at 8:55 p.m. Monday, July 4

Montgomery County, MD — Montgomery County officials said the two Independence Day celebrations hosted by the county will start as planned at 9:15 p.m. tonight.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for northwest, central and southeast Montgomery County through Monday night. The latest forecast says: "Showers and thunderstorms before 9pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 9pm and 3am, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 3am. Low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible."

“Germantown Glory” at the Maryland SoccerPlex in the South Germantown Recreational Park, 18041 Central Park Circle, Germantown (Boyds); and “Mid-County Sparkles” at Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Road, Kensington, are planned.

Both fireworks displays are now scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m.

Rockville's fireworks display is also set for 9:15 p.m. at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park.

Germantown Glory will kick off at 7 p.m. with a concert by Quiet Fire, a soul, R&B and rock band that covers hits from the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Mid-County Sparkles begins at 7:30 p.m. with a concert by Gringo Jingo performing the best of Santana.

Only handicapped parking is available on-site. Low lawn chairs, blankets and coolers are welcome at both events. Food vendors will be on site. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

“We are working closely with the National Weather Service to watch the weather forecast for this evening,” said Recreation Director Gabe Albornoz. “At this point, it looks like the show will go on! However, we urge everyone to continue to look for event updates as the weather can change at any moment and our event plans may have to change.”

The county Recreation Department has warned residents that the possibility of severe weather on Monday evening, July 4, could change plans for its two fireworks celebrations.

• Get Patch’s daily newsletter and real-time news alerts, or like us on Facebook.

Both events are rain-or-shine, so the supporting activities will be canceled if severe weather conditions -- driving rain, strong winds and/or lightning – occur.

If activities are canceled, only the fireworks will be rescheduled for Tuesday, July 5, at 9:15 p.m., say parks officials.

All entertainment and food vendors will be cancelled. Shuttle service will not be provided on July 5, and parking will be extremely limited at both locations.

SEE ALSO: Full Schedule of Montgomery County Fourth of July Fireworks 2016

“The safety of our residents and visitors is always our first priority; and we wanted to get this information out so everyone can plan accordingly,” said Montgomery County Recreation Department Director Gabe Albornoz. “We hope that we won't have to postpone or cancel, but want to ensure everyone can enjoy the best and safest time possible.”

The Recreation Department has several ways to let the public know the status of the celebrations. Sign up for text alerts on your cell phone: text MOCOJULY4 to 888777. Or look for updates on the Recreation Department’s Facebook and Twitter pages; and at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec. You can also call the Montgomery County Recreation inclement weather line at 240–777–6889.

SEE ALSO:

• Gaithersburg 4th of July Events Move Indoors
• Updated Guide to 4th of July Fireworks, Peace Ceremony in Rockville