From the Maryland Emergency Management Agency:
Governor Martin O’Malley today declared a State of Emergency in Maryland regarding the heavy rains across Maryland that have the potential for moderate to heavy flooding. The declaration calls the Maryland National Guard to active service and allows the emergency operation centers for local jurisdictions to access state resources when the need extends beyond their capabilities.
“I have ordered state emergency personnel and resources to be available statewide as we safeguard Maryland against the effects of this heavy rain,” said Governor O’Malley. I ask Marylanders to monitor their local news outlets in the coming days for further information.”
The Maryland Emergency Management Agency activated to a Level 3 at 12 noon today due to the forecast of heavy rains that will impact Maryland
this afternoon. Level 3 means representatives of state agencies involved in fire fighting, rescue, law enforcement, transportation, hospitals, utilities, evacuation, sheltering and emergency medical response will join MEMA staff in the state emergency operations center in Reisterstown.. MEMA’s 24/7 Joint Operations Center has been monitoring the weather and has been in contact with local jurisdictions to address any needs or concerns they have with regard to the weather.
Harford County Road Closures and High Water
In Harford County, about a dozen roads were closed or impacted by the rising and flowing waters.
Knopp Road from Old Federal Hill Road to Rush Road was barricaded at 2.24 p.m.
Moores Mill Road was closed between Southampton and Del Haven at 2.32 p.m.
Old Philadelphia Road was closed at the James Run bridge at 3:01 p.m.
Only one lane was passing Carrs Mill Road from Wildwood Drive to Vale Road becaues of high water at the concrete bridge.
High water also impacted traffic at Jarrettsville Road, Glen Cove Road at Route 440, and Singer Road from Route 24 to Route 924.
Maryland Emergency Management Agency Activates to LEVEL 3 in support of Statewide Operations Due to Heavy Rains and the Potential for Flooding
The Maryland Emergency Management Agency will activate to a Level 3 at 12:00noon today due to the forecast of heavy rains that will impact Maryland this afternoon and this evening. Level 3 means representatives of state agencies involved in firefighting, rescue, law enforcement, transportation, hospitals, utilities, evacuation, sheltering, and emergency medical response will join MEMA staff in the state emergency operations center. MEMA’s 24/7 Joint Operations Center has been monitoring the weather and has been in contact with local jurisdictions to address any needs or concerns they have with regard to the impending weather.
MEMA’s preparedness officials remind citizens to plan accordingly. Residents are urged to listen to local news, weather and traffic prior to travelling and further encouraging Marylanders to be prepared and use caution as the National Weather Service is reporting the potential for 1.5”-3” of rain that could cause flooding. Flooding may occur anywhere and cause road closures, downed trees or power lines. Drivers are asked to exercise caution when driving and be aware of firefighters, State Highway crews, power crews, and law enforcement handling emergencies on state and county roadways.
For more information on preparedness, please visit www.mema.state.md.us. It is also suggested travelers check with Maryland Transit Administration at www.mtamaryland.gov for mass transit travel plans or log into the Maryland Department of Transportation web site http://www.mdot.maryland.gov or www.roads.maryland.gov and click on the CHART ICON.
Emergency managers suggest the following preparedness actions:
· Report any EMERGENCY by dialing 911
· Check your route to insure roadways are open and passable
· Allow extra travel time as downed trees and wires may be blocking roads
· Do not drive or walk thru standing water
· If power goes out in your community, check on your neighbors to make sure they are ok
· If you use a generator in a power outage, make sure it is properly vented and kept away from the house
· If you are using a chain saw to remove downed trees, practice chain saw safety. If you are not experienced in the use of a chain saw, have someone else perform the job
· Remember floodwaters take days to make their way downstream and continue to do so even when the rain stops and the sun shines. Never underestimate the power and speed in which floodwaters can rise and impact property and the safety of residents
I learned this morning from a representative from Conowingo Dam that as of Friday morning eight (8) gates are open, and it is thought that at least twenty (20) gates will have to be opened by the time the flow crests, which should be around 3 am Sunday morning. Ropute 222 in Cecil County will remain closed until sometime next week due to high waters.