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Maryland Department of Emergency Management

Residents Should Prepare Now for Strong Winds Beginning Tonight

Residents Should Prepare Now for Strong Winds Beginning Tonight

MEMA Monitoring Storm System that will Bring Rain, High Winds, Possible Power Outages

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (March 1, 2018) – Marylanders should prepare now for a storm front that is expected to bring rain and possibly damaging winds across much of the state later tonight through Saturday. The National Weather Service is predicting wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency is actively monitoring this storm and coordinating with state and local partners to ensure readiness.

“This storm has the potential to knock down trees, cause extended power outages, and cause dangerous debris,” said MEMA Executive Director Russ Strickland.  “Make sure to keep devices fully charged in case the power goes out and try to secure any loose objects around your property. If at all possible, do not go out during the height of the storm.”

Accumulating snow is possible in extreme western Maryland Thursday night into Friday. Other parts of western and central Maryland can expect some frozen precipitation to mix with the rain for part of the storm, but the wind is expected to present the greatest danger. Additionally, tidal flooding is possible along the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean on both Friday and Saturday. The National Weather Service is also predicting severe beach erosion for areas of the Eastern Shore and dangerous marine conditions.

Residents can take the following actions to prepare for high winds and related hazards:

  • Check on relatives, neighbors, and friends if possible, especially those who might be seriously affected by a power outage.
  • If you must be out during the storm, let family and friends know of your destination, route, and expected arrival time.
  • Know how to contact your electric supplier if the power goes out. For a list of power company contacts or to keep track of outages in Maryland, visit mema.maryland.gov.
  • If you do not already have one, consider using a car charger to keep devices charged if you lose power for a long time.
  • If you use a generator during a power outage, make sure to follow all safety recommendations and never run a generator inside a building or near windows and vents.
  • Make sure not to leave pets outside during the storm.

For more preparedness information, visit mema.maryland.gov or ready.gov.