MENU Maryland.govState DirectoryState AgenciesOnline Services Facebook Twitter Flickr Social Media Directory Breaking News Emergency News Director’s Messages Events Marylanders Urged to Plan, Remain Vigilant as Severe Weather Is Expected Friday Through Sunday Annapolis Could See Third Biggest Flood in Recorded History Significant to Major Tidal / Coastal Flooding Expected Along Shores of The Chesapeake Bay and Tidal Potomac River Gale Warnings for The Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River, and Atlantic Coast Friday Morning Through Late Friday Night FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE REISTERSTOWN, Md. (October 28, 2021) — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) is urging all Marylanders to monitor weather conditions and ensure they are prepared for severe weather beginning this Friday, October 29 through Sunday, October 31. The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting a range of hazards to affect Maryland, including heavy rain, coastal and tidal flooding, and gale force winds. “Now is the time to make sure you are ready for what this storm may bring,” said Russ Strickland, MDEM’s Secretary. “Have a plan in case you need to leave the area, especially if you have pets. Ensure your emergency supply kit is ready to go, let family and friends know about your plans, have a portable radio to listen to weather updates in the event you lose power, make sure all your devices are charged, and that you have an extra supply of batteries.” According to the NWS: Beginning today and lasting through Sunday, significant to major tidal / coastal flooding is expected along shores of the Chesapeake Bay and tidal Potomac River. Heavy rain with widespread amounts of 1-2 inches is also expected. Localized amounts of 3-4 inches and flooding are also possible. Gale Warnings for the Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River, and Atlantic Coast Friday morning through late Friday night. Storm Force Winds for middle and lower portions of Chesapeake Bay and lower Potomac River. Potentially greatest tidal flooding since Hurricane Isabel in some locations. Highest water levels most likely late Friday into early Saturday. MDEM also reminds Maryland residents and visitors to make sure emergency kits include at least 2 face coverings for each person, hand sanitizer, disinfectants, and other COVID-19 related supplies in addition to the usual disaster supply kit components. Here are some additional considerations while planning for severe weather and other hazards during the COVID-19 pandemic: Never walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Pay attention to emergency information and alerts from official sources. Determine your best protection for high winds and flooding. Check with local authorities for the latest information about public evacuation shelters. Only use generators outdoors and never in a garage. The generator should be at least 20 feet away from your home and away from windows, doors, and vents. If you must evacuate, bring items such as hand sanitizer, cleaning materials, and two cloth face coverings per person. Children under 2 years old, people who have trouble breathing, and people who cannot take the cloth face covering off without help should not wear cloth face coverings. It is also important to allow extra time to evacuate because shelters might be farther away. As always, residents are better off locating shelter with family or friends outside the expected danger zone or staying at an accommodation of their choice. But State, local, and nonprofit partners will still provide shelter options. To receive alerts, tips, and resources related to COVID-19 and other threats and hazards affecting or that may affect Maryland during this hurricane season and beyond, text “MdReady” to 211-MD1. ### CONTACT: Jorge Castillo, jorge.castillo@maryland.gov, 443-381-3518 Ed McDonough, ed.mcdonough@maryland.gov, 410-446-3333 24/7 line: 877-636-2872 Subscribe to MDEM Your email: News Archives News Archives Select Month November 2021 (1) October 2021 (1) September 2021 (3) August 2021 (3) July 2021 (1) June 2021 (1) April 2021 (2) March 2021 (3) February 2021 (1) January 2021 (2) December 2020 (2) November 2020 (2) October 2020 (1) September 2020 (5) August 2020 (2) July 2020 (1) June 2020 (1) April 2020 (4) March 2020 (2) December 2019 (1) November 2019 (1) October 2019 (1) September 2019 (4) August 2019 (3) June 2019 (1) April 2019 (1) February 2019 (2) January 2019 (5) December 2018 (1) November 2018 (2) October 2018 (5) September 2018 (4) July 2018 (4) June 2018 (4) May 2018 (3) April 2018 (2) March 2018 (6) January 2018 (2) November 2017 (1) October 2017 (1) September 2017 (5) August 2017 (1) July 2017 (1) May 2017 (3) April 2017 (1) March 2017 (4) February 2017 (1) January 2017 (1) October 2016 (1) September 2016 (9) August 2016 (4) July 2016 (1) May 2016 (1) March 2016 (3) February 2016 (4) January 2016 (9) December 2015 (3) November 2015 (1) October 2015 (5) September 2015 (2) July 2015 (2) June 2015 (1) May 2015 (3) April 2015 (1) March 2015 (2) February 2015 (1) January 2015 (3) October 2014 (1) September 2014 (1) August 2014 (2) June 2014 (1) April 2014 (2) March 2014 (1) February 2014 (4) January 2014 (6) December 2013 (1) November 2013 (2) October 2013 (1) September 2013 (1) August 2013 (3) July 2013 (2) June 2013 (2) May 2013 (2) April 2013 (1) March 2013 (1) January 2013 (1) December 2012 (5) November 2012 (4) October 2012 (6) September 2012 (1) August 2012 (5) July 2012 (38) June 2012 (9) May 2012 (3) April 2012 (14) March 2012 (11) February 2012 (8) January 2012 (8) December 2011 (4) November 2011 (11) October 2011 (9) September 2011 (13) August 2011 (45) July 2011 (2) June 2011 (3) May 2011 (10) April 2011 (6) March 2011 (4) February 2011 (1) Contact Us Privacy Accessibility Report Fraud 5401 Rue Saint Lo Drive, Reisterstown, MD 21136 Toll Free: 1-877-MEMA-USA (1-877-636-2872) © 2013 Maryland.gov Human Trafficking GET HELP National Human Trafficking Hotline -- 24/7 Confidential 1-888-373-7888 233733 For more information on human trafficking in Maryland click here. 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