PHOTOS: Storm Clouds Gathering in Rockville

Update, 5:40 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning has been lifted for all but the southeastern portion of Montgomery County. A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect through 9 p.m. for the entire Baltimore-Washington metropolitan region of Maryland. 

Update, 4:50 p.m., July 18: The National Weather Service has upgraded the storm watch to a severe thunderstorm warning for Montgomery County and surrounding areas in the Washington-Baltimore region until 5 p.m.

The alert warns the storm could bring winds up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail to some areas.

Original post, 4:40 p.m., July 18:

The National Weather Service issued a sever thunderstorm watch for Montgomery County at 3 p.m. and skies in Rockville are turning ominous.

In advance of the potential storms, Pepco released the following statement Wednesday afternoon:

Pepco is monitoring forecasts that call for possible severe thunderstorms this afternoon and into tonight. The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch that will be in effect until 9:00 p.m. Some of the storms may produce wind gusts, large hail and flash flooding.

High winds can bring tree limbs into contact with power lines causing power outages. The winds can also adversely affect trees in saturated soil and trees weakened by previous storms causing them to fall onto power lines and equipment producing power outages.

In anticipation of severe thunderstorms, Pepco has scheduled additional line personnel, and Call Center personnel to work overnight. Pepco will continue to monitor the weather and customer outage activity and adjust its resource plans accordingly through Thursday.

Customers of the utility service provider can follow @PepcoConnect on Twitter for instant updates.

Are you getting tired of these storms? What do you do to prepare? Tell us in the comments.

Get a great photo of storm clouds, rain or lightning in your area? Add it to the gallery.