MDEM Newsroom - Page 3 MDEM Newsroom
Get MdReady for Maryland Severe Storms Awareness Week Beginning April 7
April 4th, 2025
Maryland Department of Emergency Management Partners with the National Weather Service to Highlight Spring Storm Hazards, Urge Marylanders to Practice Tornado Drill
HANOVER, MD (April 4, 2025) — Maryland residents and visitors are encouraged to practice what to do during severe weather incidents as part of Maryland Severe Storms Awareness Week, April 7-13, 2025. This year’s theme is “Don’t Get Caught in the Storm – Be MdReady”, and will once again include a Tornado Drill: The Great Maryland Twister Test. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) and the National Weather Service (NWS) urge residents to be aware of, prepare for, and protect against the most common spring and summer weather hazards.
“Maryland Severe Storms Awareness Week is an opportunity for individuals, families, businesses, and communities to be proactive and to take action,” said MDEM’s Secretary Russ Strickland. “We encourage all residents and visitors in Maryland to participate in the Great Maryland Twister Test, review their emergency plans, and ensure they have multiple ways to receive alerts, including the MdReady WebApp and the MdReady text alert system. Taking these steps now will help protect lives, reduce disruptions, and strengthen our communities’ ability to recover when severe weather strikes.”
Marylanders are encouraged to install the MdReady WebApp, which provides instant access to a wide range of emergency notifications and preparedness information to residents and visitors. To install the new WebApp, users can visit MdReady.maryland.gov and follow the prompt to easily add the MdReady shortcut to a mobile device home screen or to sign up for text alerts in English, Spanish, or in one of 185 languages.
During Severe Storms Awareness Week, MDEM will focus on a specific type of hazard each day. Severe storms come in a wide variety and can bring different types of weather hazards. MDEM will be covering the difference between Watches and Warnings, common weather threats in Maryland, and precautions you can take ahead of the storm.
Monday, April 7, MDEM will spotlight flooding, one of the most common weather issues in Maryland. Most flood fatalities happen when people try to drive, walk, or swim across flood waters. If you see standing water on a roadway or bridge, it is often difficult—usually impossible—to tell how deep it is or how quickly it is flowing. Remember, Turn Around, Don’t Drown. MDEM reminds everyone that April is Flood Awareness Month in Maryland.
Tuesday, April 8, MDEM will discuss damaging winds. While many people focus on swirling tornadoes as a potential threat, straight-line winds and downbursts can also cause serious damage, as well. Much of the damage from the derecho storm in the summer of 2012 was caused by straight-line winds.
Wednesday, April 9, MDEM will be covering tornadoes. On Wednesday, April 9 at 10 a.m., Marylanders are also invited to join MDEM and the NWS in practicing what to do in the event of an actual tornado warning during the Great Maryland Twister Test Tornado Drill. The NWS will issue a statement over National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radios about the tornado drill. Be aware, while an Emergency Alert System (EAS) test code will precede this message, the Required Monthly Test (RMT) code may not trigger some weather radios. This test code will also not trigger Wireless Emergency Alerts over cell phones.
The NWS Baltimore/Washington Weather Forecast Office, which covers most Maryland jurisdictions, is coordinating this statement and drill in conjunction with their colleagues at NWS Mount Holly (PA), which covers Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties, and NWS Wakefield (VA), which handles Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. While Maryland schools, businesses, and organizations can drill at 10 a.m., they are encouraged to practice their tornado drill any time that day.
Thursday, April 10, will focus on hail. Hail is a ball of ice formed in the extreme turbulence of strong thunderstorms as rain freezes and re-freezes. Sometimes this recycling of the freezing rain allows the ice to grow as large as the size of a softball. Hail is formed only in strong, dangerous storms, and the larger the hail, the more dangerous the storm. If you witness hail, get indoors as soon as possible.
Friday, April 11, will center on lightning safety. More than 98 percent of lightning casualties are suffered by people outdoors. Lightning can strike more than 10 miles away from where rain is falling; most frequent fatalities occur outside of the rain band. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. So, When Thunder Roars, Head Indoors.
Visit our Severe Storms Awareness Week page for more information: https://mdem.maryland.gov/Pages/severe-storms-week.aspx. To find more preparedness information for severe storms and other hazards, please visit the following websites: mdready.maryland.gov/know-the-threats/Pages/default.aspx, weather.gov/safety, or ready.gov. Be sure to follow MDEM’s social media feeds on X (Twitter) (@MDMEMA), Facebook (facebook.com/MDMEMA), Linkedin (linkedin.com/company/maryland-department-of-emergency-management), Threads (threads.net/@mdmema) and Bluesky (@mdmema.bsky.social).
Maryland Department of Emergency Management Names Statewide Interoperability Coordinator
February 28th, 2025
HANOVER, MD (February 28, 2025) — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) has appointed John Edward (Jack) Markey as Maryland’s Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). In recognition of MDEM’s key role as the State’s interagency coordination agency before, during, and after emergencies, as well as home to the Maryland 9-1-1 Board, the Governor directed MDEM to lead public safety interoperability for the State through Executive Order 01.01.2024.20.
“Ensuring the reliability, security, efficiency, and effectiveness of Maryland’s public safety communications infrastructure and operations statewide and across all levels of government is critical to safeguarding our communities before, during, and after emergencies,” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. “Jack Markey’s leadership and expertise will cultivate and strengthen partnerships with municipal, county, state, and federal agencies, helping us shape a more resilient Maryland where communities thrive.”
In his role, Markey will lead strategic planning efforts for statewide interoperable voice and data communications, oversee the implementation of the Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan, and advocate for consensus funding priorities recommended by the State Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC) in accordance with the requirements of the Executive Order. Markey brings more than three decades of public safety experience. His leadership in strengthening partnerships and enhancing interjurisdictional interoperability has earned recognition at the local, state, and federal levels, including from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the United States Secret Service, and the United States Army. Markey has played a pivotal role in advancing public safety communications across Maryland, serving on various projects, committees, and boards, including chairing the Maryland 9-1-1 Board where he has served as a board member for 16 years.
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Blizzard warning is in effect until 3 pm Monday 2/17 EST in Garrett Co.
February 16th, 2025Travel conditions will be treacherous and potentially life-threatening. More info: bit.ly/md-alerts
Governor Moore Urges Marylanders to Stay off Roads, and Exercise Caution Ahead of Incoming Winter Storms
February 11th, 2025ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today urged Marylanders to stay off roads and exercise caution in advance of a winter storm threat to Maryland from Tuesday, February 11 through Wednesday February 12. Marylanders are strongly encouraged to avoid travel, follow local forecasts, and stay prepared for winter storm hazards.
“This system has the ability to cause hazardous road conditions that will affect transportation throughout the State,” said Gov. Moore. “I am asking every Marylander to take this storm seriously, remain vigilant and cautious, avoid travel on roadways if possible, and yield to snowplows and salting trucks. If you must travel, be sure you have a winter emergency kit in your vehicle.”
The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for central, southern, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, with Winter Weather Advisories over the rest of the state. Snow is forecasted to begin late Tuesday morning in parts of central and southern Maryland, falling heaviest across the state between 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Areas within the warning area could see snowfall totals of 4” – 8” with potential for 1” – 2” every hour. Detailed snow totals will be updated regularly at weather.gov/lwx/winter.
Another smaller system is expected to impact parts of Maryland Wednesday night into Thursday morning. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued by NWS for Garrett and western Allegany counties. Light to moderate mixed precipitation is anticipated across western and northern Maryland with rain further south and east.
State and local government officials are coordinating resources in anticipation of the winter weather event. State and county emergency operations centers are expecting to upgrade their activation levels as the system moves into the region. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management has raised the State Activation Level (SAL) to ENHANCED. The State Highway Administration and Maryland Transportation Authority have completed pretreating roads.
Staying Safe During Winter Storms
- Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
- Watch for symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite – it can set in quickly, especially if you have exposed skin or have been outside in the cold for an extended period of time.
- If you’re able, check on older neighbors or relatives who may live alone to see if they’re doing well or need assistance.
- Please avoid travel if possible.
- If you absolutely must travel, be sure to let someone know your route and destination before you go and have a winter emergency kit in your vehicle which should include:
- Snow shovel and ice scraper.
- Sand or kitty litter for traction in case your vehicle gets stuck.
- Extra warm clothing, gloves, hats, and blankets.
- First aid kit and a flashlight with extra batteries.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio for emergency updates.
- Non-perishable snacks, bottled water, and any necessary medications.
- A fully charged portable phone charger, jumper cables, and basic tools like a wrench and screwdriver.
- Emergency flares or reflective triangles to increase visibility and signal for help if needed.
Preparing Your Home and Family for a Winter Storm
- Dress warmly with layers of clothing to conserve body heat when outdoors.
- Prepare for power outages. Have flashlights with fresh batteries and warm, insulating blankets available.
- Check carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly.
Information about assistance with energy bills is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Generator Safety
- Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area.
- Learn more about safe generator use from the American Red Cross.
For more information on preparedness, visit mdem.maryland.gov, follow MDEM on X at @MDMEMA, or follow MDEM’s Facebook page at facebook.com/MDMEMA. To receive alerts, tips, and resources related to threats and hazards that may affect Maryland, text MdReady to 211-631 or text MdListo for Spanish.
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Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories Are In Effect Across Maryland
February 11th, 2025
Expected Impacts:
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Travel could be very difficult.
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The hazardous conditions will impact travel and you should expect sudden changes in visibility.
Actions to Take
- Persons should delay all travel if possible.
- If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and have a have a winter survival kit in your vehicle.
- If you get stranded, stay in your vehicle.
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Call 511 to obtain the latest road conditions.
- Stay alert, check the latest weather forecast, and have several ways of receiving emergency alerts.
Winter Weather Advisories for Most of Maryland 2/5/2025
February 5th, 2025Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect tonight from 9 pm until Thursday 10 am for much of central, northeast, and northern Maryland. Mixed precipitation is expected, including possible sleet and ice on roads. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning commute. A mix of light freezing rain, sleet, and snow begins this evening. Precipitation mainly becomes a steady freezing rain tonight. Temperatures will warm Thursday morning transitioning freezing rain over to rain.
See the current forecast here: weather.gov/lwx/
Winter Storm Warnings Are In Effect for Several Counties in Maryland.
January 18th, 2025Heavy snow expected in certain parts of Maryland beginning 3 AM Sunday January 19 2025. Hazardous driving conditions. Avoid travel. More info: bit.ly/md-alerts
Winter Storm Watch
January 17th, 2025The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Harford, Washington, including Baltimore City from Sunday morning through Sunday evening, January 19, 2025.
Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations up to around 5 inches possible.
Marylanders Urged to Remain Cautious and Travel Safely Following the First Winter Storm of 2025
January 7th, 2025
Bitterly Cold Temperatures Forecasted This Week; Another Storm Possible Later This WeekHANOVER, MD (January 7, 2025) — The first major winter storm of 2025 has moved out of the region, but Marylanders should still use caution, stay prepared, and be mindful of hazards when traveling. The storm caused significant snowfall in many parts of the State, including more than 8 inches of accumulation in some areas, and led Governor Wes Moore to declare a State of Emergency on Sunday, January 5. |
| Forecasts call for extreme cold throughout the week ahead and windchills that could reach single digits. Even though the main storm has passed, continue to be mindful of icy roads and remain safe from cold temperatures.
Take Caution on Roads The storm brought significant snowfall and icy conditions to Maryland roads. While crews have been working to treat, plow, and clear roads, some areas, particularly backroads, may be hazardous.
Staying Safe During Extreme Cold Frostbite is damage to your body caused by your skin and nerves beginning to freeze. Symptoms and warning signs include:
WHAT TO DO:
Hypothermia is when you have an unusually (and unsafely) low body temperature. Any temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit is an emergency! Symptoms and warning signs include:
WHAT TO DO:
Both hypothermia and frostbite can set in quickly and may progress without the victim noticing. If you’re ever in doubt about how far a condition has gotten or not sure if the treatments above are helping, get medical help immediately. It’s far better to ask a professional and end up not needing them than to wait and discover worse damage later. During the cold days ahead, make an effort to check on vulnerable relatives, neighbors and friends to make sure they are safe and warm. If you or someone you know doesn’t have access to a warm residence, check your local government website for the availability of shelters or warming centers. Seeing the Impact of the Storm You can see snowfall totals, temperature by region, wind speed, and more weather information via Maryland’s Mesonet. You can view a map of Maryland and the 21 and growing Mesonet sites here: https://mesonet.umd.edu/ The Maryland Business Emergency Operations Center (MBEOC) is a centralized hub within the State Emergency Operation Center designed to support emergency management efforts between state agencies, the private sector businesses and other stakeholders during disasters or emergencies. The overall goal of the MBEOC is to facilitate communication, resource sharing, and collaboration to ensure that the private sector can make the best decisions for their employees and business operations and effectively contribute to the response and recovery processes. Learn more about resources available through the MBEOC by checking out their website or emailing questions to [email protected]. For more information on preparedness, visit mdem.maryland.gov, follow MDEM on X at @MDMEMA, or follow MDEM’s Facebook page at facebook.com/MDMEMA. ### CONTACT: |
Governor Moore Declares State of Emergency, Closes Maryland State Government Ahead of Winter Storm
January 6th, 2025Published: 1/5/2025
- Include blankets, hats, mittens, and other warm clothing in your preparedness kit during winter months.
- Bring pets inside if possible, or create a safe space for outdoor animal companions to keep warm, safe from the elements, and able to find food.
- Winterize your vehicle and keep your gas tank at least half full to keep ice from building up in your gas tank and fuel lines.
- Take precautions to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Keep a supply of driveway salt or non-clumping kitty litter ready to go. You can spread either on outdoor surfaces to combat ice and make them less slippery.
- Check your home’s smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they work and have good batteries.
- Check for updates from the National Weather Service, and sign up for MdReady text alerts to receive news about storms, watches, and warnings.
- Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area.
- Learn more about safe generator use from the American Red Cross.
- Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
- Watch for symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite – it can set in quickly, especially if you have exposed skin or have been outside in the cold for an extended period of time.
- Please avoid travel if possible. If you absolutely must travel, be sure to let someone know your route and destination before you go.
- Know your evacuation routes.