Emergency Weather Centers Open Across Prince George's Due To Severe Storms

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Emergency weather centers will be open Monday until 8 p.m. as the state faces severe weather.

All parks and recreation facilities closed at 1 p.m. Monday due to a tornado warning. All programs and activities for the afternoon and evening that are through the Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation are canceled, too.

Emergency weather centers open until 8 p.m. are at the following locations:

• Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center, 7120 Contee Rd., Laurel

• Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex, 8001 Sheriff Rd., Landover

• Temple Hills Community Center, 5300 Temple Hills Rd., Temple Hills

"Residents are strongly encouraged to seek shelter immediately when severe weather warnings are issued, remain indoors and avoid travel during periods of heavy rain, high winds or possible tornado activity. Individuals should also avoid driving through flooded roadways and remain alert to rapidly changing weather conditions," county officials stated.

Related: Tornado Watch Issued For 16 MD Counties, Baltimore City

The Prince George's County Animal Services and Adoption Facility also shut down all non-essential operations Monday afternoon and was closed to the public.

"We are committed to the well-being of our staff, the animals in our care, and the community," said David Fisher, chief administrator of animal services division (AD). "We will continue to monitor the situation and update the public as conditions evolve.”

Sixteen Maryland counties, plus the city of Baltimore, are under a tornado watch Monday as a series of severe thunderstorms that could produce heavy rains, and damaging winds with gusts up to 80 mph are forecast to hit the state, forecasters say.

Many school districts in the area have announced plans to dismiss classes early, including Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince George's, Howard, Harford and Baltimore counties.

Severe storms are expected to hit the Baltimore-D.C. area this afternoon, said NBC Washington. The main threat is expected 3 p.m. through 9 p.m., so prepare for potentially dangerous conditions during the afternoon commute.