MD Declares State Of Preparedness Amid Possible Heavy Rains, Flooding

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Gov. Wes Moore on Tuesday issued a state of preparedness order ahead of a storm system expected to bring heavy rain, flash flooding and gusty winds to parts of Maryland.

Rain is expected throughout Tuesday and into Tuesday night across Maryland with possible accumulations of three-quarters to 1 inch, according to the National Weather Service. The agency issued a flood watch from 1 p.m. Tuesday through Wednesday morning. Rainfall totals of between 1.5 to 3 inches are expected, with localized amounts of up to 4 inches possible.

A coastal flood warning is also in effect from 4 p.m. Tuesday to 10 p.m. on Wednesday in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Low-lying areas may see up to a half-foot of flooding. Coastal areas may see 1 to 2 feet of accumulating water due to tidal flooding.

• RELATED: MD Storm Forecast: Flood Watches, School Closings, Wind Advisories

Declaring a state of preparedness directs the Maryland Department of Emergency Management to coordinate with other state and local agencies to provide additional resources and support to Maryland residents who may be negatively affected by the weather system.

"The safety and security of our residents is our top priority," Moore said in a statement. "Please remain vigilant, use common sense, and have a plan in place especially if you are in low-lying areas prone to flooding or where flooding is expected."

In November, Governor Moore signed an executive order establishing the state of preparedness directive, which enhanced the state's ability to respond swiftly and effectively to potential hazards and threats in advance of an actual disaster.

According to Moore's office, the directive adds a layer of protection for Marylanders without needing to declare a state of emergency.

According to the National Weather Service's forecast, east winds are expected to strengthen to 21 to 26 mph in the afternoon. A high wind warning is in effect from 3 p.m. Tuesday to 1 a.m. Wednesday for parts of Baltimore, Anne Arundel and Harford counties.

The NWS said southeast winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are expected.

Severe Weather Tips

• Never drive or walk over flooded roads. Turn around, don’t drown!
• Stay informed by regularly checking weather updates from official sources and be sure to have a way to access local forecasts and warnings.
• Have an emergency kit ready and a family emergency plan in place.
• Heed all warnings and stay indoors during severe weather.
• Check with local authorities for the latest information about public evacuation shelters.
• Keep devices charged in case of power outages.
• Know who to contact in the case of a power outage. Emergency phone numbers for utility companies can be found here.
• Follow Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) and regional NWS social media accounts for localized forecasts.
• Only use generators outdoors and never in a garage. The generator should be at least 20 feet away from the home and away from windows, doors, and vents.

For the latest information, visit weather.gov/lwx. To receive alerts, tips, and resources related to threats and hazards affecting or that may affect Maryland, text MdReady to 211-631 or text MdListo for Spanish.

For more information, residents may visit the Maryland Department of Emergency Management’s website at mdem.maryland.gov, follow the department’s X (Twitter) feed at @MDMEMA, or follow the department’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MDMEMA.

Marylanders may also monitor power outages through the MdReady installable app and website: MdReady.maryland.gov.