Emergency Preparedness: Heavy Rainfall and Possible Severe Weather (August 8, 2024)

Preparedness Recommendations:

• Encourage your family and friends to finish preparedness activities now. Check on your neighbors, especially older adults or those who may need additional assistance, to make sure they have what they need. Have a plan to remain in contact during and after the storm.
• You may have to evacuate quickly due to a storm if you live in an evacuation zone. To learn if you live, work or vacation in an Evacuation Zone in Maryland, please visit the Know Your Zone page. Learn your evacuation routes, practice with your household and pets, and identify where you will stay.
• Follow the instructions from local emergency managers, who work closely with state and local agencies and partners. They will provide the latest recommendations based on the threat to your community and appropriate safety measures.
• Keep your cell phone, tablet and laptop charged when you know a storm is in the forecast and purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.
• Check with neighbors, senior adults, or those who may need additional help securing hurricane plans to see how you can be of assistance to others.
• Have enough supplies for your household, including medication, disinfectant supplies and pet supplies in your go bag or car trunk. You may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks after a hurricane.
• Above all else, please stay safe.

Weather Highlights:

• Heavy Rainfall: Western MD could see 3-5 inches of rain, with localized totals up to 7 inches. The I-95 to I-81 corridor may receive 2-4 inches, and the Eastern Shore 0.5-2 inches.
• Potential Tornadoes: Isolated tornadoes are possible late Thursday through early Friday, especially east of Debby’s track.
• Gusty Winds: Winds up to 40-50 mph, especially along the Chesapeake, with thunderstorms expected on Friday.

Operations:

• State of Preparedness: Governor Moore has issued a State of Preparedness for TS Debby, and MDEM has raised the EOC level from “Enhanced” to “Partial, which means the incident or event requires significant monitoring or resources. Additional EOC staffing from agencies, functions, and supporting organizations.
• Current Outages: Approximately 1,400 power outages are reported statewide. See the map.
• Transportation: No transportation waivers for Maryland yet, but nearby states have implemented waivers. Note restrictions in the I-95 Fort McHenry and I-895 Harbor Tunnels.

Emergency Preparedness Resources:

• FEMA – Hurricane Information Sheet
• FEMA – Flood Information Sheet
• FEMA – Tornado Information Sheet
• FEMA – Power Outage
• EPN – Power Dependent Patient Care 
• FEMA – Emergency Kit Supply List 

Emergency Contacts:

• Call 911 for emergencies that need immediate assistance.

Preguntas? Llámenos al 301-334-7770 para servicios de traducción.
Accessibility assistance available at 301-334-7770.

Shared by Lori Peck, BS, MT, Public Health Emergency Planner