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Maryland Department of Emergency Management

Maryland Eastern Shore, St. Mary’s County Under Tropical Storm Warning

Governor Hogan Urges Residents to Remain Vigilant and Prepare for Strong Winds, Flooding

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (September 5, 2019) — The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Dorchester, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties as Hurricane Dorian continues its track up the Atlantic coast. Current forecasts indicate that tropical storm force winds are expected for the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland and St. Mary’s County, as well as adjacent waters.

“With Hurricane Dorian expected to affect the Lower Shore and St. Mary’s County, I have directed state agencies to stand ready to respond and I urge Marylanders to take all appropriate precautions,” said Governor Hogan. “Please stay tuned to your local news stations and emergency management offices for the latest updates and, most importantly, use common sense.”

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency has increased the State’s activation level and the State Emergency Operations Center is staffed with emergency management personnel and state agency representatives.

“Residents should remain alert and follow officials’ orders, news stations, and weather forecasts in order to be informed of the situation,” said MEMA’s Executive Director Russell Strickland. “This is also a good opportunity for all Marylanders and visitors to our State to visit www.KnowYourZoneMD.com to see if they reside or are traveling in a hurricane evacuation zone,” he added.

Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within the tropical storm warning area within 36 hours. MEMA advises the public to follow these instructions:

  • Remain vigilant and continue to closely monitor the storm through MEMA, the NWS, and your local officials.
  • If you are in or close to the tropical storm warning areas check regularly for weather updates and instructions from local officials.
  • Charge phones and devices, and plan for potential power outages.
  • Communicate with friends, family, & neighbors before, during, and after storms, especially during power outages.
  • Head to a safe part of your home. Stay away from windows in case of flying glass.
  • Never operate power generators inside a building, including garages.
  • Keep your refrigerator cold. Turn your refrigerator to the coldest setting so that your food will last longer if the power goes out.
  • Keep your pets safe too.
    • Make sure your pet has identification and that you keep your pet near.
    • If you evacuate and you have a pet, look for pet-friendly hotels or local animal shelters or safe kennels.
  • Never drive through standing water. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

Residents or visitors to these areas should expect:

  • Tropical storm force winds, and tidal flooding/storm surge could impact the state beginning on Thursday evening, particularly in southeastern Maryland.
  • The strongest winds will likely affect these areas throughout the day on Friday.
  • Wind gusts as high as 60 mph are possible.
  • Power outages, flooding, road, and bridge closures are likely in these areas.

Governor Hogan has directed state agencies to stand ready to respond to the effects of this storm, including the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). For more information, please visit  MEMA’s website (www.mema.maryland.gov). You can also follow MEMA on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook for updated information.

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NOTE TO MEDIA: MEMA staff will be available to arrange interviews for your article, story or public affairs show, please contact Ed McDonough or Jorge Castillo at the numbers below.

CONTACT:
Jorge Castillo, jorge.castillo@maryland.gov, 443-381-3518
Ed McDonough, ed.mcdonough@maryland.gov, 410-446-3333
24/7 line: 877-636-2872