Meteorologist calls his kids live on air after learning that a tornado is approaching his home

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By stefan armitage

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An NBC News meteorologist was seen calling his family while on live television to warn them of an approaching tornado.

On Thursday, residents in Washington's Maryland suburbs were issued a severe weather warning after meteorologists identified a potentially dangerous tornado approaching the cities of Bethesda and Chevy Chase.

However, one father who was working at the time of the warning was NBC4 Washington Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer.

While reporting on the developing situation, Kammerer revealed that the tornado was actually approaching his own home. Concerned for his children's safety, he called them on live television to warn them that the storm was headed for their home.

Sharing the now-viral moment on Twitter, NBC4 Washington wrote: "When a tornado warning sounded last night, Storm Team4 Chief Meteorologist @dougkammerer was working to keep you informed and safe — just like his own family."

Check out the moment below:

Speaking to one of his children on the phone, Kammerer says: "I want you to get down in the basement. We have a tornado warning so I want to make sure you and Callie get downstairs as soon as you can, okay?"

"Do it now," he adds.

When he comes off the phone, Kammerer then explains to the viewers: "Gotta warn my kids - because I know what my kids are doing right now. They're probably online, gaming, and they're not seeing this."

He added that despite the fact local residents were sent a severe storm warning through to their cell phones, he had to take a moment to guarantee his kids were aware of the approaching danger.

Taking to Twitter following the tense moment, Kammerer confirmed that his family were safe, writing: "Yes, had to warn my family! Kids were home alone and I knew they were not watching me on TV! They are safe. Thank you! Scary moment for me though, I was freaking out inside a bit."

The original video has since amassed more than 640,000 views on Twitter, with people praising Kammerer for taking action in order to contact his children.

One Twitter user wrote: "Doug, you just gained a new follower from halfway across the states. Complete professionalism + great parenting on display here. Washington is lucky to have you."

A second added: "There is nothing wrong with warning your kids of danger. Good job dad for looking out for our families and yours too."

Well done, Kammerer! That was some of the best parenting multitasking I've ever seen!

Featured image credit: Michael Ventura / Alamy