ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore is urging Marylanders to prepare for potential flash flooding and severe storms that are forecasted for this afternoon. The greatest risk for impacts are along the I-95 corridor and upper Eastern Shore, with all counties in Maryland currently under a flood watch except Garrett and Allegany counties. The heaviest rainfall is expected between 3 p.m. and midnight this evening.
“Our top priority is the safety of Marylanders,” said Gov Moore. “The State of Maryland is staying coordinated and poised in anticipation of potential flash flooding, and we ask that everyone do their part by closely following public safety messaging, monitoring weather forecasts in their area, and watching out for family and friends.”
The National Weather Service has advised that a cold front moving into the area has the potential to bring torrential rain and thunderstorms capable of producing localized damaging winds and widespread flooding. Some areas could see rainfall rates of 1-2” per half hour, and localized total rainfall amounts of 4-6”.
If your area experiences flash flooding:
- Follow public safety messages, including evacuating or sheltering in place.
- Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
- Do not walk, swim or drive through floodwaters.Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
- Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
The Maryland Department of Emergency Management is raising the State Activation Level, and the State Emergency Operations Center will activate at 2 p.m. today in advance of the storm.
Marylanders are urged to closely monitor the forecast and any emergency alerts, particularly those calling for an evacuation or sheltering in place. Continue to watch your local weather stations, and visit mdready.maryland.gov for more information or to sign-up for free emergency text alerts.
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