Maryland Gov. Hogan announces state of emergency ahead of potential impact from Hurricane Florence

HANOVER, Md. - Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has announced a state of emergency in the state, out of precaution ahead of potential impact from Hurricane Florence.

The Category 4 hurricane is reportedly gaining strength, according to the National Hurricane Center, with maximum sustained winds near 130 mph.

The governor, speaking from the CHART Statewide Operations Center in Hanover, in Anne Arundel County, said that the state was preparing for the "potential of historic, catastrophic and life-threatening flooding."

Hogan said the state was taking proactive measures "to ensure that all necessary that all resources are mobilized to areas with greatest potential need," including coastal and low-lying areas of the state.

"While we are hoping for the best, we are preparing for the worst," said Hogan.

The governor announced that the Maryland National Guard has been alerted, state shelters are on standby, as are utility companies and State Highway Administration crews.

The governor tweeted Monday that the state emergency management team would be keeping tabs on the hurricane.

"We're monitoring # HurricaneFlorence & its potential impact on our region & state, and I am receiving regular briefings from our emergency management team. I urge MDers to closely follow local forecasts for weather information & http://governor.maryland.gov for official declarations."

A state of emergency has already been announced in Virginia by Gov. Ralph Northam.