Maryland Eastern Shore, coastal counties under Tropical Storm Warning ahead of Hurricane Dorian: NWS
Ocean City, Maryland (Photo by Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post via Getty Images / Getty Images)
REISTERTOWN, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Maryland's Eastern Shore and counties along the coast as Hurricane Dorian continues to move up the East Coast.
The warning includes Dorchester, St. Mary's, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties.
According to the NWS, "current forecasts indicate that tropical-storm-force winds are expected for the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland and St. Mary’s County, as well as adjacent waters."
Governor Larry Hogan has directed state agencies to stand at the ready to respond to the storm. He is also urging Marylanders to "take all appropriate precautions."
"Please stay tuned to your local news stations and emergency management offices for the latest updates and, most importantly, use common sense," Hogan said Thursday.
A news release states the Maryland Emergency Management Agency has increased the state's activation level. The State Emergency Operations Center has also been staffed with emergency management personnel and state agency representatives, according to the release.
MEMA states that residents or visitors to the areas listed above should expect:
- Tropical-storm-force winds and tidal flooding/storm surge could impact the state beginning on Thursday evening, particularly in southeastern Maryland.
- The strongest winds will likely affect these areas throughout the day on Friday.
- Wind gusts as high as 60 mph are possible.
- Power outages, flooding, road, and bridge closures are likely in these areas.
MEMA is also advising residents to follow this tips:
- Remain vigilant and continue to closely monitor the storm through MEMA, the NWS, and your local officials.
- If you are in or close to the tropical storm warning areas check regularly for weather updates and instructions from local officials.
- Charge phones and devices, and plan for potential power outages.
- Communicate with friends, family, & neighbors before, during, and after storms, especially during power outages.
- Head to a safe part of your home. Stay away from windows in case of flying glass.
- Never operate power generators inside a building, including garages.
- Keep your refrigerator cold. Turn your refrigerator to the coldest setting so that your food will last longer if the power goes out.
- Keep your pets safe too.
- Make sure your pet has identification and that you keep your pet near.
- If you evacuate and you have a pet, look for pet-friendly hotels or local animal shelters or safe kennels.
- Never drive through standing water. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!