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Governor Hogan Provides Update on State’s Response to Severe Weather

Asks Marylanders to Take Precautions, Especially In Low-Lying Areas
Posted on: October 29, 2021 - 1:58pm
Governor Hogan


Emergency Operations At Second-Highest Activation Level For Enhanced Coordination With Local Jurisdictions

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today urged Maryland residents and visitors to monitor weather forecasts and remain on alert as heavy rains, moderate to major flooding, and hazardous winds affect portions of the state Friday through Sunday. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) has raised the state activation level to partial—the second-highest level—to enhance coordination with local jurisdictions in response to the current weather event.

The Maryland National Guard has staged approximately 20 Soldiers on state active duty and 10 vehicles at the Easton and Salisbury armories as a precaution in case they are needed to support civil agencies.

“We are asking all Marylanders and visitors to our state to take this weather seriously and take precautions to remain safe, especially if you are in low-lying areas prone to flooding,” said Governor Hogan. “We will continue to closely monitor the storm, and coordinate our response across state and local agencies throughout the weekend. Stay tuned to local news stations for the latest updates, use common sense, and listen to any instructions local authorities will provide.”

While major coastal and tidal flooding will be the main story with this system, flood watches, wind advisories, and warnings have also been issued in other portions of the state. Check weather.gov for the latest at your location.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Marylanders can expect:

Heavy Rain: There is the potential for significant amounts of rainfall that could lead to moderate to major flooding. Heavy rain with widespread amounts of 1-3 inches expected, with localized amounts of 3-4 inches.
 

Winds: Hazardous winds could cause downed trees in soggy grounds, potentially causing power outages. 

Storm force winds for middle and lower portions of the Chesapeake Bay and lower Potomac River

Gale warnings for the Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River, and Atlantic Coast through late tonight

High wind warning issued for St. Mary’s and Calvert counties

Wind advisory for rest of Western Shore counties and northern Eastern Shore
 

Tidal and Coastal Flooding: Moderate to major tidal and coastal flooding is expected along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River, and Atlantic Coast. The NWS has issued flood watches for portions of Baltimore and D.C. metro areas.

Residents are advised to:

  • Call 911 in case of an emergency.
  • Never drive through flooded roadways. Turn around, don’t drown!
  • Determine their best protection for high winds and flooding. 
  • Heed all warnings and stay indoors during severe weather.
  • Check with local authorities for the latest information about public evacuation shelters.
  • If evacuation is necessary, bring items such as hand sanitizer, cleaning materials, and two cloth face coverings per person. 
  • Closely monitor updated weather forecasts and be sure to have a way to access local forecasts and warnings.
  • Keep devices charged in case of power outages.
  • Know who to contact in the case of a power outage. Emergency phone numbers for utility companies can be found here.
  • Only use generators outdoors and never in a garage. The generator should be at least 20 feet away from the home and away from windows, doors, and vents.
  • Follow Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) and regional NWS social media accounts for localized forecasts.

Traffic, weather, and power outage alerts, as well as all-hazard preparedness information, can be accessed on MDEM's website.To receive alerts, tips, and resources related to COVID-19 and other threats and hazards affecting or that may affect Maryland, text "MdReady" to 211-MD1 or visit MdReady.Maryland.gov to sign up.

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