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Maryland Celebrates Unveiling of its First Mesonet Tower

A Landmark Moment in Advancing Weather Prediction and Public Safety Ellicott City, MD (October 30, 2023) — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) and the University of Maryland (UMD) today proudly unveiled the first of more than 70 Maryland Mesonet towers. The historic event marked a significant step forward in advancing weather prediction and ensuring the safety of Maryland’s residents and visitors. The press event, held at the University of Maryland’s Central Maryland Research and Education Center in Clarksville (Howard County), celebrated a remarkable collaboration and a promising future for weather-related emergency management. The unveiling ceremony featured prominent speakers, including elected officials, who offered their valuable insights and enthusiasm for this transformative project. “The unveiling of the first Maryland Mesonet Tower signifies a significant stride towards enhancing public safety and protecting Marylanders. The improved accuracy and lead time for severe weather warnings will be one of the most important benefits for our people. This groundbreaking initiative will revolutionize weather prediction, and I’m proud of the partnership between MDEM and the University of Maryland.” – MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland “The University of Maryland is always looking for ways to serve our state, and the Maryland Mesonet is a perfect example of the expertise we have to offer,” said UMD President Darryll J. Pines. “As Earth’s climate undergoes accelerating changes, weather forecasting only gets tougher. Getting it right quickly is crucial to the safety of people in this region as well as farmers’ ability to feed the world.  This state-of-the-art system, coupled with our work with local, state and federal officials, makes our state a better place to live for all Marylanders.” – UMD President Darryll J. Pines “The Mesonet will protect Marylanders from extreme wind and water harm by advancing emergency preparedness and the accuracy of regional weather forecasts. With an active State Climatologist Office and a fully deployed Mesonet soon, the University of Maryland will provide Marylanders insightful information on severe weather and climate variability and change that will benefit the state’s agriculture, tourism and transportation sectors, among others.” – Sumant Nigam, Director of the Maryland Mesonet; Professor and Chair of UMD’s Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science; Professor in UMD’s Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center Also spoke at the event: Guy J. Guzzone, Maryland State Senator, District 13 Katie Fry Hester, Maryland State Senator, District 9 Jennifer King Rice, University of Maryland Provost Chris Strong, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service Also Attended the Event: Natalie Ziegler, Maryland State Delegate, District 9A Courtney Watson, Maryland State Delegate, District 9B A Game Changer for Maryland Serving All Corners of the State: The Maryland Mesonet is strategically positioned to impact all regions of the State, particularly underserved communities vulnerable to climate change and sea-level rise. Faster, More Accurate Data: The Mesonet provides rapid, precise data for risk communication, ultimately saving lives. Data-Based Applications: The project supports the development of Mesonet-data-based applications for State and local agencies, NWS, Maryland’s K-12 education, farmers, fishermen, water managers, air-quality monitors, wind and solar energy producers, transportation professionals, and the media. In addition to this significant unveiling event, a news conference was held last year to mark the inception of this transformative partnership, and a video highlighting the Mesonet’s features and importance is currently in production. For more information, please visit today.umd.edu/state-umd-partner-to-build-world-class-weather-observation-system About MDEM: MDEM is a national leader in emergency management that provides Maryland residents, organizations, and emergency management partners with expert information, programmatic activities, and leadership in the delivery of financial, technical and physical resources “to shape a resilient Maryland where communities thrive.” About the University of Maryland: The University of Maryland (UMD) is the state’s flagship university and a leading public research institution, propelled by a $1.3 billion joint research enterprise. Located four miles from Washington, D.C., the university is dedicated to addressing the grand challenges of our time and is the nation’s first Do Good campus. It is driven by a diverse and proudly inclusive community of more than 50,000 fearless Terrapins. UMD is a top producer of Fulbright scholars and offers an unparalleled student experience with more than 300 academic programs, 25 living-learning programs and 400 study abroad programs. Spurred by a culture of innovation and creativity, UMD faculty are global leaders in their field and include Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners and members of the national academies. For more information about the University of Maryland, visit umd.edu. About the Maryland Mesonet: The Maryland Mesonet is a collaborative project between MDEM, UMD, Maryland Environmental Service (MES), NWS, and other State agencies, with the goal to develop and operate a world-class atmospheric monitoring system to deliver reliable, timely information to residents and enhance critical public safety decision-making. The Mesonet will also support agricultural, economic, and transportation operations. A Mesonet (mesoscale network) is a network of automated weather observing infrastructure designed to take frequent and reliable atmospheric measurements. The data is transferred wirelessly to a central server where it can then be displayed on a user-friendly website with visualizations, maps, charts, and archives; as well as disseminated to stakeholders. Pictures courtesy of UMD/John T. Consoli and MDEM/Travis Brown ### 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

Maryland Residents Encouraged to Participate in Great ShakeOut

Drop, Cover, and Hold On During Preparedness Drill

Thursday at 10:19 a.m.

REISTERSTOWN, MD (October 17, 2023) — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) is proud to promote Earthquake Preparedness and encourages Marylanders to take part in The Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills occurring across the Country on October 19 at 10:19 a.m. EDT.  Almost 73,000 people representing approximately 50 organizations, including individuals and families from Maryland were registered as of Friday afternoon. Others are encouraged to register here before the exercise begins. “We typically do not think of earthquakes as a common hazard in Maryland,” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. “But the 2011 earthquake was a reminder for us to practice what to do – and what NOT to do – in an earthquake.” While powerful earthquakes are not common in the Mid-Atlantic Region, they have happened. The August 23, 2011 tremblor near Mineral, Virginia, was felt throughout our State and reminded us that we are not immune from such activity. One of the most frightening and destructive phenomena of nature is a severe earthquake and its terrible aftereffects.  Earthquakes can happen at any time of the year and at any time during the day. It is impossible to predict when or where an earthquake will occur, so it is important that you and your family are prepared ahead of time. A key aspect of the Great ShakeOut is integrating comprehensive science-based earthquake research and the lessons learned from decades of social science research about why people get prepared.  The result is a “teachable moment” on par with having an actual earthquake (often followed by increased interest in getting ready for earthquakes).  ShakeOut creates the sense of urgency that is needed for people, organizations, and communities to get prepared, to practice what to do to be safe, and to learn what plans need to be improved. On October 19 at 10:19 a.m. EDT you should drop, cover, and hold on for earthquake preparedness;

• DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!),
• Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
• HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.

More information about earthquake preparedness can be found at The Great ShakeOut, Ready.gov, or Listo.gov.

We invite individuals or organizations who participate in the drill on Thursday morning to email pictures to pio_mdem@maryland.gov, and we will post some photos on some of our social media platforms.

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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

Maryland Emergency Management Secretary Elected President of the National Emergency Management Association

From Left to Right: National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) President Russ Strickland with outgoing NEMA President Patrick Sheehan of Tennessee.

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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

Maryland Will Receive Radio, Television, and Cell Phone Alerts During National Test

Wednesday, Oct. 4, Afternoon Test Will Include Wireless Emergency Alert and Emergency Alert System Messages

REISTERSTOWN, MD (October 3, 2023) — Maryland residents and those visiting the State will see tests of federal warning alerts as part of a nationwide test Wednesday, Oct. 4, beginning at approximately 2:20 p.m. EDT. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct the national test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). The purpose of this national test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. FEMA and the FCC are coordinating with EAS participants, wireless providers, emergency managers, and other stakeholders in preparation for this national test to minimize confusion and to maximize the public safety value of the test. “These tests help to ensure that residents across the country can receive timely messages about emergencies,” said Russ Strickland, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM). “This is the system that sends the weather warnings and Amber alerts, and it is an important tool to test the effectiveness of the system.”

WEA TEST: The WEA portion of the test will be initiated using FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), a centralized internet-based system administered by FEMA that enables authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communications networks. The WEA test will be administered via a code sent to cell phones. The test message will display in either English or Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset.

All wireless phones should receive the message only once. The following can be expected from the nationwide WEA test:

• Beginning at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET, cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message.
• For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
• Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”

WEA alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government agencies through IPAWS to participating wireless providers, which deliver the alerts to compatible handsets in geo-targeted areas. To help ensure these alerts are accessible to the entire public, including people with disabilities, the alerts are accompanied by a unique tone and vibration.

EAS TEST: The EAS portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions and disseminated as a Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) message via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System-Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS-OPEN).

Important information about the EAS test:

• The EAS portion of the test is scheduled to last approximately one minute and will be conducted with the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers, and wireline video providers.
• The test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. It will state: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours EDT. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.”

The Maryland Department of Emergency Management has no additional information about the test. For more information, please contact FEMA at FEMA-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.

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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

Lt. Governor Miller Announces $15.9 Million in Security Grants to Faith and Nonprofit Organizations to Prevent Hate Crimes

​​Funding From Federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program Will Support Resiliency Projects for Diverse Community Groups

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Today, the Moore-Miller Administration announced more than $15.9 million will be awarded in part through the Maryland Department of Emergency Management to 118 faith-based and nonprofit organizations across the state, through the United States Department of Homeland Security 2023 Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

Grant funds will help strengthen communities against hate crimes and violence and can be used by organizations to bolster resiliency and security measures, including personnel, security equipment, and security-related planning, exercises, training.

Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller highlighted the announcement at a press conference today in Baltimore, alongside Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland, U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, and faith and nonprofit leaders from across the state, whose congregations are grant recipients.

“Keeping Marylanders safe is a responsibility we share, and it’s on all of us to call out hate wherever we see it, and to fight against it together,” said Lt. Gov. Miller. “This record-breaking grant funding secured through collective partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to building a safer, more inclusive Maryland. ”

This is the largest dollar amount Maryland has received in Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding to date.

“We are very pleased that, in conjunction with these Maryland organizations, we have been awarded funds which will have a profound impact on improving their security and the security of the state,” said Maryland Department of Emergency Management Sec. Russ Strickland. “This funding provides much needed financial support to nonprofit groups, which are part of the fabric of American life and provide important services during times of need. These groups have been the target of violence in the past, and these grants will help them prevent or minimize the consequences of those attacks.”

The grants add to a series of administration initiatives to prevent hate crimes, including $6.3 million in previously announced funding to protect against hate crimes and to enhance local police recruitment and retention efforts through the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services.

A complete list of grantees and awards for both the Protecting Against Hate Crimes program and Police Recruitment and Retention grant is available here.

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What does a “State of Emergency” mean?

What does a “State of Emergency” mean?

In preparation for Tropical Storm Ophelia, Governor Wes Moore has asked State departments and agencies to launch a coordinated effort to keep Marylanders safe and informed in the upcoming days. Governor Moore signed Executive Order 01.01.2023.13 declaring a state of emergency in Maryland on Friday, September 22, 2023.  Here is information on what a state of emergency means.

Not all states of emergency are the same. Each state of emergency is different and can change depending on the severity of the event or emergency.  Be sure to check with your local news and with MDEM for updated information related to states of emergency.

A state of emergency has been declared in order to allow Maryland to coordinate and request emergency resources and support. A state of emergency allows the Governor to access certain resources, like the National Guard, in order to increase the State’s response.

A state of emergency is a good indicator that residents should remain alert and follow officials’ orders, news stations, and weather forecasts in order to be informed of the situation.

Here is additional information about this state of emergency:

Will schools be closed?

States of Emergencies typically do not mandate school closures. It usually is the local school district’s decision to stay open or to close. Check with your school for up-to-date closure information.

Will stores and businesses be open?

This state of emergency does not require employers to close. We ask that all employers consider employee safety at all times.

Can I drive on the roads?

Most of the time, motorists are not prohibited from driving. However, this depends on the situation and the limitations set in each particular State of Emergency. Each State of Emergency is different.  If you are a motorist and must drive and cannot change your plans, you should drive carefully and use common sense. You should also:

• Allow extra time to get to your  destinations.
• Let family or/and friends know what roads you plan to take and expected arrival times.
• Contact family/friends after you arrive to your destination.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TROPICAL STORM OPHELIA

• Stay vigilant, use common sense, and continue to monitor the forecast
  • We are asking all Marylanders to remain vigilant, to stay tuned to local news stations for the latest updates, and to follow any instructions local officials may provide during this state of emergency.
  • We are expecting an extended period of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and elevated tides. Conditions will deteriorate throughout Saturday. Highest impacts expected during the day Saturday, lasting into Sunday morning. 
• Those under a tropical storm warning should be prepared and exercise caution during this multiple-day event. 
  • Widespread power outages are possible, so we urge people to keep their devices charged and monitor trusted local forecasts for your part of the State. 
    • Always use extreme caution near downed power lines and wires. For your own safety, assume that they are live and carrying electricity.
    • Keep a distance of at least 30 feet and report it to 9-1-1 from a safe location.
    • NEVER drive over downed wires. If you are driving in an area with downed trees or utility poles, slow down, scan the road and stay away from any debris that may be caught in a downed wire.
    • If your vehicle comes in contact with a downed wire, STAY INSIDE! Call 9-1-1 to request assistance and if someone approaches your car, roll down your window and ask them to keep their distance.
  • Follow any protective actions recommended by local officials.
  • Make sure to have an emergency supply kit stocked with non-perishable food, a three day supply of water, and other necessities
  • Make sure you stock items for those with special needs and pets.
  • Try to avoid outdoor activities and travel during the storm if at all possible.
  • Know the difference between a WATCH and a WARNING.
    • WATCH: conditions are favorable for a hurricane, tropical storm, flooding, or other severe weather event.
    • WARNING: ACT NOW! Severe weather is happening; take immediate precautions.
• Don’t walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Remember: Turn around, don’t drown!

We are tracking this storm moment-by-moment and we are ensuring we are prepared for all possible impacts to our state.

Maryland One of First to Receive Funds in Groundbreaking Federal Program

Funds Will Help Local Governments Afford Projects to Minimize Effects of Natural Hazards

REISTERSTOWN, MD (September 13, 2023) — Maryland is one of just eight states to receive capitalization grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as part of a groundbreaking new program to help communities reduce vulnerability to natural hazards and disasters. Maryland received a $6.5 million grant — the second highest award — under the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program. Maryland joins seven other states receiving funds in the first round of this program, authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, which appropriated $500 million over five years for the program. The program’s capitalization grants provide low-interest loans to local governments most in need of financial assistance, including low-income geographic areas and underserved communities. “Maryland is at the forefront of mitigation, being one of the first eight recipients of these grants from FEMA,” stated Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland. “This pioneering initiative equips our communities with a powerful tool to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards. These funds will also empower local partners to engage in hazard mitigation activities that might otherwise be financially out of reach.” The State created the Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund to administer this program. The money can be used to help finance a variety of projects designed to minimize the effects of natural hazards on communities and can also be used to help local governments pay their cost share of traditional federal hazard mitigation programs. Here is more information about the Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund. You can also learn more about the federal Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan fund.

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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

Maryland Department of Emergency Management Offers Support For Maui Wildfire Relief

Officials Recommend Donations Of Cash To Reputable Nonprofit Organizations Active In Hawai‘i REISTERSTOWN, MD (August 16, 2023) — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management expresses its deepest condolences to the residents of Maui and Hawai‘i counties affected by the recent devastating wildfires. In the spirit of solidarity and support, the Department is extending its assistance for the wildfire relief efforts and sharing valuable tips with Maryland residents on how they can help. “The people of Maryland stand in solidarity with our fellow Americans in Maui during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to those affected by the horrific wildfires,” said Governor Wes Moore. “We commend the dedication and bravery of all responders and volunteers working tirelessly to aid in the recovery. We are united in our efforts to provide support and comfort to those in need.” Maryland Task Force 1 (MDTF1), a specialized urban search and rescue (USAR) team, has received an activation order to deploy a Type 1 USAR team to Maui. Comprising 70 rescuers and 10 support personnel, the team is scheduled to depart on the earliest available flight on August 16. Maryland Task Force 1’s dedicated personnel will be working in conjunction with other deployed teams, including two K9 rescue teams. Some Maryland Task Force 1 personnel have been on the ground since Monday, assisting in search and rescue efforts under challenging conditions due to elevated temperatures. Maryland Task Force 1’s commitment to aiding disaster-stricken communities remains steadfast, with daily updates provided to ensure transparency and effective coordination. “The flames that have ravaged Maui have left a mark on the hearts of its residents and survivors as well as the beautiful landscape. We share in their pain and are committed to offering our assistance in any way possible,” said Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland. In light of the outpouring of support, the Department recommends that Maryland residents consider the following tips to maximize relief efforts, in accordance with requests from Hawai’i: Cash Donations: Reputable nonprofit organizations active in Hawai‘i recommend cash donations, which can be used to procure specific goods and services needed for relief. Avoid Physical Donations: The volume of donated goods has overwhelmed some groups. Cash donations can be more efficiently directed to where they are needed most. Respect Access Restrictions: Individuals are urged not to “self-deploy” to the disaster-impacted areas. Authorities are managing access to ensure safety and protection of culturally important items. Beware of Scammers: Stay vigilant against scams. Protect your donations and refer to official resources for information on how to avoid fraud. The Hawai’i government is working with the following organizations and requesting donations: Hawai‘i Community Foundation – Maui Strong Fund: hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement – Kāko‘o Maui Fundraiser: hawaiiancouncil.org/maui Maui United Way – Maui Fire Disaster Relief: mauiunitedway.org/disasterrelief Maryland remains committed to supporting recovery efforts in Maui and will continue to collaborate with local and national partners to ensure the effective allocation of resources. ### 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

Maryland Department of Emergency Management Urges Marylanders to be Prepared and Remain Vigilant

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. ### 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

Do you Know Your Zone? MDEM Urges All Marylanders to Check Before 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins June 1st

Be Prepared: Know Your Zone, Have a Plan, Stay Informed and Have a Kit REISTERSTOWN, MD (May 26, 2023) — The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially starts Thursday, June 1, and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) reminds people who live in, work in, or visit Maryland to Know Your Zone if a large storm requires evacuations from coastal and tidal areas. Recent hurricane seasons have been unusually busy – 2020 set a record for named Atlantic Hurricanes – so it is important to Know Your Zone, and also have an emergency plan, a disaster supply kit, and multiple ways to receive warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS) and local emergency officials. In 2021, Hurricane Ida, which made landfall in the Gulf of Mexico, still managed to cause tornadoes and flooding in Maryland and dangerous flash floods in the Northeast. Last year, Hurricane Ian devastated parts of Florida. “It takes just a single storm to change your life,” emphasized MDEM’s Secretary Russ Strickland. “Even without a direct hit, Maryland can face significant consequences from the remnants of tropical storms or hurricanes, including wind, and tidal and inland flooding. Remain vigilant to forecasts, make sure you Know Your Zone, and be prepared for the potential impacts of a storm in your area by having an emergency plan and a disaster supply kit.” When the remnants of Ida passed over Maryland two years ago, it spawned several tornadoes, inducing one that caused substantial damage in the Annapolis area. Heavy rains also caused flash floods, inundating basement apartments at a complex in Montgomery County that led to a drowning. Farther up the coast, Ida’s heavy rains caused widespread flooding in New York City subway tunnels. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasters with the Climate Prediction Center, a division of the NWS, predict near-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season predicts a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season, and a 30% chance of a below-normal season. NOAA is forecasting a range of 12 to 17 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 5 to 9 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5, with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges. The Know Your Zone program allows local emergency officials to order evacuations by letter zones (A, B, and C) to more easily provide information to those in the area. To determine if you live, work, or visit an evacuation zone in Maryland, please go to KnowYourZoneMD.com and click on the “Find Your Zone” link. Type in the address of the property you are interested in and you will find out if the location is in an evacuation zone. Please note that the zones are for evacuations from storm surge or tidal flooding along the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries, the coastal bay, and ocean on the Eastern Shore. The zones do NOT apply to inland and flash floods. Here are some additional considerations while planning for hurricanes and other hazards: Plan now! Do not wait until the peak of hurricane season. Pay attention to emergency information and alerts. Determine your best protection for high winds and flooding. Unless you live in an evacuation zone, make a plan to shelter-in-place if it is safe to do so. If you are in a mandatory evacuation zone, make a plan with friends or family to shelter with them where you will be safer and more comfortable. Check with local authorities for the latest information about public evacuation shelters. Only use outdoor generators that are at least 20 feet away from your home and away from windows, doors, and vents. Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. For more information about hurricane preparedness, including sample emergency plans and supply kit information, please visit MDEM, FEMA, the National Weather Service, and the American Red Cross. To receive text alerts, tips, and resources related to threats and hazards that may affect Maryland, text “MdReady” to 211-631, or text “MdListo” to receive alerts in Spanish. Marylanders also are encouraged to install the MdReady WebApp, which gives instant access to a wide array of emergency notifications and preparedness information to residents and visitors alike. 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 or Spanish. ### 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