Gov. Larry Hogan declares state of emergency in Maryland
Heavy rains, flooding expected as Hurricane Joaquin approaches
UPDATED 4:01 PM EDT Oct 01, 2015
BALTIMORE, MD
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has declared a state of emergency to allow emergency responders to begin to prepare for flooding from heavy rains and damage from a hurricane.
Powerful Hurricane Joaquin pounded lightly populated islands of the eastern Bahamas on Thursday, and forecasters said it could grow more intense while following a path that would near the U.S. East Coast by the weekend.
Baltimore Gas and Electric Company is monitoring Hurricane Joaquin, which some forecasts indicate could affect the mid-Atlantic region.
The governor spoke Thursday afternoon from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency in Reisterstown.
"Out of an abundance of caution, moments ago, I signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency here in Maryland in anticipation of Hurricane Joaquin. This is a proactive measure to ensure that all necessary resources are mobilized in areas of our state with the great potential needs, particularly of concern are coastal and low-lying areas of the state that are highly suspticble to flooding," Hogan said.
Drenching storms are moving up the East Coast, a region already swamped by rain from earlier this week. The water has done damage in the Carolinas and southwest Virginia, and could cause power outages and close roads in the Mid-Atlantic.
The approach of Joaquin could intensify the damage, but rain is forecast across the region regardless of that storm's path.
"While we're hoping for the best, we're preparing for the worst," Hogan said.
Hogan said state shelter have been put on standby and utility companies have been put on high alert.
"Our state is taking every precaution and I urge Marylanders to do the same," Hogan said. "Start now to prepare your families (and) your homes for potential heavy rains, winds and possible flooding. More importantly, use common sense."
Local authorities warned residents Thursday to clear drains and remove or secure outdoor furniture before days of heavy rain that are already canceling events around the region.
Maryland's football game against Michigan is moving from 8 p.m. to noon on Saturday. The University of Delaware canceled Sunday's Coast Day, which typically draws 10,000 people to the coastal town of Lewes.
National Weather Service issue flash flood watches
The National Weather service has issued flash flood watch for Washington, northern Virginia, southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore from Friday morning through late Saturday. Coastal flood warnings and advisories are in effect during the same period in central and southern Delaware and on the Eastern Shore.
The NWS said many portions of the eastern U.S. are experiencing heavy rains and gusty winds associated with a frontal system. These heavy rains are likely to continue for the next few days, even if the center of Hurricane Joaquin stays offshore.
The resulting inland flood potential could complicate preparations for Joaquin should it head toward the coast, and even more substantial inland flooding is possible, NWS said.
The NWS said a coastal flood watch remains in effect from 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday afternoon for Maryland beaches.
During the noon Thursday weather forecast, 11 News Meteorologist Miri Marshall said we can expect heavy rain on Friday with a potential for flooding in the Maryland region, with 3 inches of rain possible between now and early Saturday morning.
Flash flood warnings are in effect for parts of the region, including Anne Arundel and Howard counties and points south, while portions of the Eastern Shore are under a flood watch, Marshall reports.
Meanwhile, Thursday's forecast includes cloudy conditions, with light to moderate rain possible, winds 5 mph to 10 mph and temperatures reaching the low 60s.
Joaquin is a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph and hurricane strength winds extending 45 miles from the eye, the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said. As of 11 a.m. EDT Thursday, the center of the storm was passing over Samana Cay, and the Bahamas and was moving west-southwest at 6 mph.
Marylanders can visit MEMA.Maryland.gov for more information.
Monitor the changes by watching 11 News newscasts, through the WBAL weather app and at WBALTV.com.