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Great Maryland Twister Test Set For Wednesday, April 9 at 10 a.m.

Maryland Department of Emergency Management, National Weather Service Encourage Marylanders to Practice What to Do During a Tornado Warning; Alert Will Broadcast Over NOAA Weather Radios As Part of Maryland Severe Storms Awareness Week

HANOVER, MD (April 8, 2024) — Maryland residents are invited to participate in the Great Maryland Twister Test on Wednesday, April 9, at 10:00 a.m. to practice what to do in case the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a tornado warning. The statewide drill is being coordinated by the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM), NWS, and other partners as part of the 2025 Maryland Severe Storms Awareness Week, April 7-11, 2025.  

At 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, 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. 

Schools, businesses, community groups, and individuals can practice what to do when a tornado warning is issued by NWS. While everyone is encouraged to participate in the drill on Wednesday at 10 a.m., you can practice at other times too. Families, for example, might want to practice when everyone is at home later in the day.

“Tornadoes can strike with little warning. Whether you are in school, at work, or at home, knowing the safest place to go during a tornado warning is vital and makes all the difference,” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. “The Great Maryland Twister Test is a chance for families, schools, and businesses to practice their safety plans in a low-stress environment. Taking just a few minutes now to prepare can help save lives when real storms threaten.”

If NWS issues a tornado warning for your location:

• Go to a safe shelter immediately, such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or a small interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
• If outside, do not go under an overpass or bridge. Lie flat in a low-lying ditch or depression away from trees and vehicles. Cover your head and neck.
• Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck. If they are close by, you can also use pillows, blankets, or couch cushions to protect those parts of your body.
• If you are in a vehicle and you see a tornado, stay in your car, buckle up, and lower your head below the windows while covering your head with your arms and a coat or blanket if possible; or, exit the car and lie flat in a low-lying ditch or depression away from trees and vehicles. Cover your head and neck.
• Make plans to go to a public shelter if you can’t stay home.
• Go to NOAA Weather Radio and your local news or official social media accounts for updated emergency information. Follow the instructions of State and local officials. 

Tornadoes happen almost every year in Maryland – sometimes even violent and deadly ones. Since 2000, fatalities have been reported from tornadoes in LaPlata (Charles County), College Park (Prince George’s County), and Baltimore City. They are violently rotating columns of air that can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris.

While most common during the warm season in the afternoons and evenings, tornadoes can happen anytime and anywhere in Maryland when conditions are right. They bring intense, damaging winds that are often 80-110 miles per hour, and sometimes devastating winds as great as 150-200 mph that can destroy buildings. These rotating funnel clouds that extend to the ground create a path of damage often as wide as a football field, and sometimes up to a mile wide.

In conjunction with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS), public and private schools have been given guidance for directing students, faculty, and staff to the safest areas of their facilities during a tornado warning. Schools are being encouraged to practice during the Great Maryland Twister Test at 10 a.m. Wednesday and at other times, if needed.

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 (NJ), which covers Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties, and NWS Wakefield (VA), which handles Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. 

Marylanders are also encouraged to download the MdReady WebApp, which gives instant access to a wide array 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.

Since 1950, Maryland has seen around 425 tornadoes, with 9 tornado-related deaths with over 300 injuries. To learn more about Maryland’s tornado history, visit: data.delmarvanow.com/tornado-archive.

Visit our Severe Storms Awareness Week page for more information: 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. 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.

Get MdReady for Maryland Severe Storms Awareness Week Beginning April 7

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

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.

Travel 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

ANNAPOLIS, 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 ​​​

Expected Impacts:

• Travel could be very difficult.​
• 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.
• 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

Winter 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.

Heavy 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

The 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