{"id":8038,"date":"2017-03-20T08:24:03","date_gmt":"2017-03-20T12:24:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mema\/?p=8038"},"modified":"2017-03-20T08:24:03","modified_gmt":"2017-03-20T12:24:03","slug":"march-19-25-is-severe-storms-awareness-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mdem\/2017\/03\/20\/march-19-25-is-severe-storms-awareness-week\/","title":{"rendered":"March 19-25 is Severe Storms Awareness Week"},"content":{"rendered":"

Spring Season Brings Chances for Hazardous Weather in Maryland<\/strong><\/p>\n

March 19-25 is Severe Storms Awareness Week<\/strong><\/p>\n

Snow may still be on the ground in many parts of Maryland, but now is the time to begin thinking about the upcoming severe storms season. Maryland Severe Storms Awareness Week begins Sunday, March 19, and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is teaming up with the National Weather Service and local emergency managers to promote citizen awareness and preparedness.<\/p>\n

During spring, Maryland is at risk for heavy rainstorms, flooding, damaging winds, tornadoes, hail and lightning. All of these hazards typically occur throughout the state; however, residents can \u201cbe weather prepared\u201d by ensuring that they know how to receive warnings and practice safety tips.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpring is the time of year when we can experience dangerous thunderstorms, flooding, and even tornadoes,\u201d said Governor Larry Hogan. \u201cMaryland residents should follow the advice of local and state officials and use common sense when severe weather is in the forecast.\u201d<\/p>\n

The National Weather Service agrees with that assessment. \u201cMaryland experiences severe storms regularly during the spring,\u201d said NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist Christopher Strong. \u201cOur area is particularly at risk for damaging winds and flooding. We also see hailstorms and even tornadoes. In fact, Maryland has had nearly 100 tornadoes in the past 10 years.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cSevere Storms Awareness Week is a chance to think about the hazardous weather that regularly occurs in Maryland,\u201d said Russ Strickland, Executive Director of MEMA. \u201cPlan now for what you or your family should do in case of a severe weather alert or warning — get indoors to a safe space, then, communicate with your neighbors, friends and family to make sure they\u2019re aware of the situation and are safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now is the time for residents to prepare for severe storms by taking the following actions:<\/p>\n