Officials Activate Anne Arundel Emergency Operations Center

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — The county's emergency operations center will be partially activated Tuesday at 7 a.m. in anticipation of the heavy rains and strong winds expected to be produced by Tropical Storm Isaias. The National Hurricane Center currently forecasts the storm to pass through Maryland Tuesday morning bringing the potential for tropical storm-force winds, a two-foot storm surge and as much as six inches of rain to Anne Arundel County.

“I ask all Anne Arundel County residents to take this storm seriously,” said Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman in a statement. “Please be safe and prepare now for what could be a dangerous day tomorrow. Secure outdoor furniture, prepare for possible power outages and don’t travel tomorrow if you can avoid it. We have a strong team of first responders and emergency management professionals working to keep us safe. If you need assistance, contact the office of emergency management at 410-222-0600.”

TTY users should call via Maryland 7-1-1.

Anne Arundel County is under a tropical storm warning from the National Weather Service. The county also is under a flash flood watch from Monday 11 p.m. until Tuesday 11 p.m and a coastal flood watch from Tuesday 6 a.m. until Wednesday 12 a.m.

• Winds - There is a 60 to 70 percent probability of experiencing tropical storm force winds (between 39 - 73 miles per hour), beginning early Tuesday morning and continuing through late Tuesday evening. Winds could cause scattered wind damage and power outages.
• Storm surge - There is a potential for up to 2 feet storm surge above ground within surge prone areas between early Tuesday morning and Tuesday evening.
• Rainfall - The precipitation estimate currently ranges from three to six inches of rainfall between late Monday evening and Wednesday. Isolated higher totals possible. Prolonged heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding.

Residents should assemble disaster supply kits to include the following items: one gallon of water per person to last at least three days, non-perishable food supply for at least three days, battery or crank powered weather radio and extra batteries, flashlight, first aid kit and required prescription medication. Disaster supplies should also include special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members and pets, as well as coronavirus supplies such as masks and hand sanitizer.

Power outages should be reported to BGE at 1-877-778-222 or your local utility provider. In the event of power outages, county officials advise extreme caution when operating generators. Follow manufacturer’s operating instructions and always keep generators outside in well-ventilated areas away from open windows. Never use fuel powered generators indoors or in a garage to avoid all exposure to carbon monoxide- a colorless, odorless, tasteless and deadly.
In the event of flooding, county officials remind residents never to drive through standing water and always obey road closures.

Residents should monitor the local weather channel or county social media for advisories and updates on the storm. Additional information is available at www.aacounty.org/OEM or calling the Office of Emergency Management at 410-222-0600.

County officials advise that businesses and other organizations or facilities that have set up tents to serve customers during the coronavirus pandemic should secure them for strong winds or take them down. Marina owners should take steps to secure and move boats. Members of the agricultural community are advised to follow any guidance from the Maryland Department of Agriculture in terms of food, shelter and water for livestock.