{"id":17918,"date":"2019-04-08T15:52:52","date_gmt":"2019-04-08T19:52:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mema\/?p=17918"},"modified":"2019-04-08T15:52:52","modified_gmt":"2019-04-08T19:52:52","slug":"flooding-thunderstorms-tornadoes-among-spring-weather-threats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mdem\/2019\/04\/08\/flooding-thunderstorms-tornadoes-among-spring-weather-threats\/","title":{"rendered":"Flooding, Thunderstorms, Tornadoes Among Spring Weather Threats"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Maryland Severe Storm Awareness Week is April 7-13\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/h2>\n

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REISTERSTOWN, Md. (April 8, 2019)\u00a0<\/strong>\u2014 Maryland Severe Storms Awareness Week begins on Sunday, April 7, and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is teaming up with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) and local emergency managers to promote citizen awareness and preparedness.<\/p>\n

The NWS emphasizes that the mid-Atlantic region is at risk for flooding, damaging winds, tornadoes, hail, and lightning storms every year. Maryland experiences severe storms regularly during the spring and is particularly at risk for flooding, but also experiences hailstorms and even tornadoes. Maryland has had nearly 100 tornadoes in the past ten years.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you hear thunder or see lightning, try to get inside right away,\u201d said MEMA Executive Director Russ Strickland. \u201cAnd never try to drive across flooded roadways. If you need to leave your shelter due to damage or an emergency, bring your emergency kit and a charged cell phone with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Residents can be \u201cweather prepared\u201d by ensuring that they know how to receive a warning, have a plan, and practice safety tips.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery year, Maryland gets severe thunderstorms that target localized communities\u201d said Christopher Strong, NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the Baltimore\/Washington Forecast Office. \u201cIf Marylanders get National Weather Service warnings from phone apps and\/or weather radio, and have a plan for what to do, we can all stay safe from the damaging winds, large hail, flooding, tornadoes, and lightning.\u201c<\/p>\n

The NWS and MEMA work closely together with local government agencies to identify and monitor severe weather systems, develop preparedness plans and safety information, and coordinate the response to these storms.<\/p>\n

Residents can also take actions to remain safe by practicing the following tips:<\/p>\n