Maryland storm warning...

Maryland storm warning...

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 29, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley is cautioning all Marylanders tonight to travel carefully and take extra precaution with the approaching storm, which is expected to produce heavy rains that may cause stream and coastal flooding around Maryland.  Governor O’Malley has asked Maryland Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Richard Muth to activate the state emergency operations center (EOC) at 7 a.m. Thursday morning.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we’ve activated our Emergency Operations Center and we’re urging all Marylanders to monitor local forecasts and proceed with caution, particularly those in flood-prone areas,” said Governor O’Malley. “Weather forecasts are calling for up to five inches of rain, and perhaps more in some isolated location, in a very short time frame. That could lead to dangerous flooding conditions.”

The EOC is currently operating at level 2, with several extra MEMA staff working with the 24-hour Maryland Joint Operations Center to monitor conditions and plan for the upcoming weather. The level 3 operation, beginning tomorrow morning, will bring representatives of about a dozen agencies – mostly with first responder, transportation and public health responsibilities – into the EOC.

“We urge Maryland residents to leave extra time when heading out for work or school in the morning,” said Executive Director Muth. “Do not try to drive through standing water on roadways and please continue to monitor local weather forecasts.”

Weather forecasters have issued flash flood and coastal flood warnings around most of Maryland as a tropical depression travels up the Atlantic seaboard. Heavy rains are expected in Maryland starting Thursday morning and continuing throughout the afternoon.  Other possible consequences of the storm are falling trees, extensive power outages, and possible tornadic activity.