Gov. O’Malley Declares State of Emergency

Governor Martin O’Malley has declared a State of Emergency in Maryland. Heavy rains across the state have the potential for moderate to heavy flooding.

This includes the Essex-Middle River area, in which Race Road was closed off after the street flooded. Bowleys Quarters had several areas with several inches of standing water.

The governor's  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 O’Malley in a press statement. "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 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.

A flood watch remains in effect for much of Maryland with up to four inches of rain possible by Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service predicted up to two inches of rain by Thursday afternoon.

Another two inches of rain could hit the region Thursday night before the storm clears out around 7 a.m. on Friday. Temperatures are supposed to reach 53 on Friday.

A flood watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts.

Tim Burgess, Chief of the Baltimore County Bureau of Highways, said that minor flooding was reported in several "isolated areas" that tend to flood when there are heavy downpours.

The flooding is mostly limited to "low-lying areas. Most drivers in an area tend to know where these places are," said Burgess.

 O’Malley in an earlier press release urged all citizens to check news, weather and traffic reports before traveling as torrential rains bear down on the East Coast. Drivers are  being asked to exercise caution when driving and be aware of firefighters, State Highway (SHA) crews, power crews and law enforcement handling emergencies on state and county roadways.  

SHA crews will place high water signs and barricades throughout the day, but there may be unmarked areas, so motorists must be extremely cautious.  

“Rain and flooding are significant forces of nature that citizens tend to underestimate and for which everyone should be prepared,” said O’Malley.  “Maryland’s emergency response and preparedness agencies remain focused on monitoring this event, supporting local jurisdictions as needed, and ensuring all Marylanders are prepared and conduct themselves sensibly throughout this storm.”