High Likelihood of Severe Thunderstorms, Widespread Damaging Wind Gusts, Locally Destructive Winds

REISTERSTOWN, MD (August 7, 2023) — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management is urging all Maryland residents and visitors to remain vigilant and alert today as severe thunderstorms, capable of harming life and property, will be moving through our State beginning early this afternoon and into the evening depending on your location. The Storm Prediction Center has increased our risk for severe weather to “MODERATE.” Winds greater than 70 miles per hour, flash flooding, hail, extreme lightning, straight-line wind damage, and tornadic activity with the possibility of an isolated significant tornado, may accompany these storms. The moderate area of risk is concentrated over our largest population centers. The department raised the State Activation Level to ENHANCED to support this incident at noon. “Everyone should pay close attention to weather forecasts throughout the day,” said Secretary of Emergency Management, Russ Strickland. “This is a dangerous system that could produce life-threatening winds and severe storms, and some areas may see multiple rounds of storms. I urge you to be prepared and keep yourself and your loved ones safe.”

Be prepared and MdReady for the storm:

• Prepare for power outages NOW:
  • Charge electronics, have battery backups, and check flashlights.
  • Have emergency supplies in place at home, work, and in cars.
  • Stay alert and have several ways of receiving emergency alerts.
  • If you have impaired mobility and use an elevator to get between floors, work with your household members or neighbors to figure out a plan to get you out of the building if needed.
  • If you use electric medical devices, make sure they have fresh batteries and contact your doctor to discuss what to do if you lose power.
• Listen to local officials.
• Motorists should avoid driving if possible until the storm is over and are advised to never drive over flooded roadways or around.
• Be prepared for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes:
  • A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornado development. Closely monitor local forecasts and listen to emergency alerts on your phone or TV.
  • A tornado warning means that a tornado is developing or has developed in your area.
    • SEEK SHELTER AND TAKE COVER IMMEDIATELY.
    • Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
    • Avoid windows.
    • If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

• Monitor the weather through the US National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/lwx
• Monitor road conditions via the Maryland Department of Transportation 511 and CHARTWeb: chart.maryland.gov
• Monitor power outages through the MdReady installable app and website: MdReady.maryland.gov

Please remain vigilant and be safe.

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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