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Maryland Department of Emergency Management

MEMA Reminds Marylanders to Prepare for Continued Rain, Flooding from Ongoing Storms

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (July 24, 2018) — Rain continues to fall throughout much of Maryland and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is reminding residents to be ready for additional storms and flooding today through Wednesday, with heavy bands of rain forecast tonight.

MEMA has been coordinating with weather forecast offices and local emergency managers statewide. The National Weather Service has indicated a risk for excessive rainfall and a flooding risk for the entire state. This could include water over roads, stream and river flooding, and the potential for damage to buildings in areas that receive localized, extreme rainfall.

“We have been seeing severe weather across the state over the past few days, including flash flooding and strong storms, with the potential of more to come,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Please take extreme care if you must travel, be sure to follow all local weather warnings.”

Residents can be weather prepared by ensuring that they know how to receive warnings, follow safety tips, and take the following actions:

  • Never enter an area where water is flowing over a road and you cannot see the pavement. During flooding, turn around, don’t drown!
  • Continue to closely monitor weather forecasts and follow all advice from local officials and emergency managers.
  • Keep communications devices charged during storms so that you will have a way to follow weather forecasts and communicate with your family, friends, and neighbors.
  • If a severe thunderstorm or flash flood warning is issued or you are experiencing strong winds, get to a sturdy shelter and stay indoors and away from windows.
  • If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by a fringe lightning strike. More than 98 percent of lightning casualties are from people outdoors—get indoors or inside your vehicle if possible.
  • Know who to contact in case of a power outage and report power outages to your utilities provider.
  • Document any damages to your home, property, and business and provide this information to your insurance company.

Residents can find additional preparedness information on MEMA’s website at mema.maryland.gov. The agency will also be posting updated information throughout the week on social media. You can follow MEMA on Twitter @MDMEMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MDMEMA.