MD Residents Can Prepare For 'Nasty' Tropical Storm Ophelia

MARYLAND — With state officials asking residents to avoid unnecessary travel as Tropical Storm Ophelia moves in this weekend, there is still time for Marylanders to prepare for flooding from heavy rains, winds of 50 mph and power outages.

People living in coastal areas are at the greatest risk for storm impacts, but heavy rain from the storm will “spread well inland” and gusty winds are expected across the region, said forecasters.

The National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm warning to six Maryland counties, along with the Chesapeake Bay, which means tropical storm force winds of greater than 39 mph will begin in North Carolina on Friday and then spread northward into Maryland on Saturday.

"People in coastal areas should take this storm seriously," said AccuWeather's chief on-air meteorologist Bernie Rayno. "This is going to be a nasty and formidable storm."

Related:

• Tropical Storm Ophelia Forms: See Latest Timing, Impact For MD
• Here Are The 2023 Hurricane And Tropical Storm Names

Hurricane Preparation Tips

Residents should take these safety precautions before a storm heads toward Maryland:

• Sign up for alerts and warnings from your county and state, as well as NOAA Weather Radio https://www.weather.gov/nwr/
• Make a plan - visit https://www.ready.gov/plan
• Plan with neighbors - communities are more resilient when they work together. See Guide to Emergency Planning for Communities
• Know hurricane evacuation zones - visit KnowYourZoneMD
• Save for a rainy day - visit https://www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness
• Practice emergency drills both at home and at the office
• Make and test a family communications plan* Designate a central contact number with a family member or trusted friend, perhaps out of town* Text messages will go through when voice lines are overloaded
• Assemble or update emergency supplies - visit https://www.ready.gov/kit (includes CDC recommendations)
• Safeguard valuable documents both physically and digitally
• Make your home safer
• Document and insure your property
• Get involved in your community - take an emergency course, volunteer, request a preparedness presentation
• Download the FEMA app and visit Ready.gov or Listo.gov for preparedness tips.