Over 60,000 Reported Power Outages, Road and Bridge Closures Statewide
Tornadic Activity Reported in St. Mary’s, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties
Marylanders Urged to Avoid Travel and Heed Local Warnings
ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today provided an update on statewide response efforts as Tropical Storm Isaias continues to move through the region. Numerous road and bridge closures are impacting multiple jurisdictions and more than 60,000 power outages have been reported statewide. There are flash flood, tropical storm, and tornado watches or warnings in effect for multiple jurisdictions throughout Maryland.
“I have just received an update from our state’s emergency managers, and members of my Cabinet and security team on the impacts of Tropical Storm Isaias,” said Governor Hogan. “At my direction, the state has activated all available resources to respond, and our team will continue to monitor the storm’s path. We urge Marylanders to heed all warnings, avoid travel if possible, and use common sense.”
As of 11 a.m., the National Hurricane Center reported that the center of Isaias was moving rapidly across Eastern Maryland, approximately 20 miles south of Fredericktown. The storm is expected to continue to impact Maryland through Tuesday evening. Several local jurisdictions are reporting confirmed tornadic activity, including the lower Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland. Additional flooding, 3-6 inches of heavy rain, tidal surge, and wind damage from tropical storm force winds are anticipated.
Current Damage Report:
Calvert County: Numerous road closures from high water; report of waterspout near Breezy Point beach area with possible landfall.
Charles County: Some flooding reported.
St. Mary’s County: 7.05″ inches of rainfall reported in Leonardtown, tornadic activity
City of Annapolis: Flooding with multiple street closures
Baltimore County: Multiple trees/wires down
Wicomico County: Tornadic activity in area of Mardela Springs
Worcester County: Confirmed touchdown of a tornado in the Girdle Tree area
Additional statewide response efforts include the following:
Maryland Emergency Management Agency
Maryland Department of Transportation
Maryland Department of Health
Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services System
Maryland Department of Human Services
Maryland State Police
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Maryland Department of General Services
-###-
Tornadic Activity Reported in St. Mary’s, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties
Marylanders Urged to Avoid Travel and Heed Local Warnings
ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today provided an update on statewide response efforts as Tropical Storm Isaias continues to move through the region. Numerous road and bridge closures are impacting multiple jurisdictions and more than 60,000 power outages have been reported statewide. There are flash flood, tropical storm, and tornado watches or warnings in effect for multiple jurisdictions throughout Maryland.
“I have just received an update from our state’s emergency managers, and members of my Cabinet and security team on the impacts of Tropical Storm Isaias,” said Governor Hogan. “At my direction, the state has activated all available resources to respond, and our team will continue to monitor the storm’s path. We urge Marylanders to heed all warnings, avoid travel if possible, and use common sense.”
As of 11 a.m., the National Hurricane Center reported that the center of Isaias was moving rapidly across Eastern Maryland, approximately 20 miles south of Fredericktown. The storm is expected to continue to impact Maryland through Tuesday evening. Several local jurisdictions are reporting confirmed tornadic activity, including the lower Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland. Additional flooding, 3-6 inches of heavy rain, tidal surge, and wind damage from tropical storm force winds are anticipated.
Current Damage Report:
Calvert County: Numerous road closures from high water; report of waterspout near Breezy Point beach area with possible landfall.
Charles County: Some flooding reported.
St. Mary’s County: 7.05″ inches of rainfall reported in Leonardtown, tornadic activity
City of Annapolis: Flooding with multiple street closures
Baltimore County: Multiple trees/wires down
Wicomico County: Tornadic activity in area of Mardela Springs
Worcester County: Confirmed touchdown of a tornado in the Girdle Tree area
Additional statewide response efforts include the following:
Maryland Emergency Management Agency
- MEMA has increased the State Activation Level and is actively coordinating resources and information needs with local and state agencies.
- MEMA continues to coordinate calls between the National Weather Service, state agencies, and local emergency managers and stands ready to assist local agencies and coordinate state resources as needed.
Maryland Department of Transportation
- As of 11:25 a.m., MDOT SHA was responding to 55 incidents, with the largest number, 14, in St. Mary’s County. Some major incidents include multiple lanes closed due to high water; I-95 in Baltimore City at the S Moravia Rd exit ramp and I-695 Inner Loop in Baltimore County at MD 151.
- Westbound traffic is currently being held on the Bay Bridge. I-695 Key and Tydings Bridges are operating under limited restrictions (no house trailers or empty box trailers). Wind warnings remain in effect at the Hatem bridge.
- The State Highway Administration is deploying maintenance forces throughout the state to begin storm preparation measures. Crews are evaluating all emergency response equipment, and emergency patrols will be active during the storm event to assist with incidents and motorists.
- The Maryland Transit Administration has implemented diversions on several LocalLink and CityLink bus routes due to weather conditions. MTA continues to advise travelers for the potential for transit service delays throughout the day as the storm progresses.
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport employees are conducting inspections of the airfield and securing equipment. Airline flight delays and cancellations are expected on Tuesday, and airlines are offering flexible change policies due to the storm. Travelers should check with their airline for updated flight status information.
- Coast Guard Sector Maryland has set Port Condition ZULU for vessels and ports, meaning no ships are allowed to enter or leave the Port of Baltimore channels and ships currently docked at the Port must stay docked.
Maryland Department of Health
- COVID-19 testing operations have been suspended today, Tuesday, August 4. Marylanders should monitor covidtest.maryland.gov for updates.
Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services System
- Operations Center is staffed and continues to monitor the status of hospital capacity and physical plant status.
- Personnel from the Field Operations Support Team continue to assist local jurisdictions with needs.
- Regional staff are supporting local response activities.
Maryland Department of Human Services
- For information on emergency shelters for individuals and families as well as listings of transitional housing programs, call 2-1-1.
- The department is partnering with the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross, 2-1-1 Maryland, and the Department of Disabilities to assist people who have evacuated to hotels and do not have sufficient food.
Maryland State Police
- The State Police Underwater Recovery Team is ready to respond if their expertise and equipment are needed.
- Patrol troopers have been deployed to assist with disabled vehicles, accidents, and storm damage impacting roadways and homes.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
- Maryland State Parks have closed several day-use areas and campgrounds, and evacuated or relocated some campers in parks that are likely to be affected by the storm and related flooding. Closures are being announced and updated via social media.
- Maryland Department of Natural Resources personnel have removed small to medium sized department vessels and sensitive monitoring equipment to safety, and also moved equipment and materials from ongoing waterfront projects to minimize damage and debris.
- Maryland Natural Resources Police are on standby to assist local law enforcement on road closures and other emergency operations.
Maryland Department of General Services
- The department continues to ensure the storm water management systems for State buildings are clear of debris and in working order.
- The Office of State Procurement has also been in contact with emergency vendors in the event of debris removal and other emergency services.
- All General Services buildings are open and operational.
- DGS can coordinate with our fellow state agencies to provide access to any vehicles in the DGS fleet or in other state agency fleets, including any trucks or four-wheel drive vehicles, for usage by local or state agencies whose fleet may have been negatively affected by the storm.
- DGS, as the agency of record for the Federal Surplus Property Program, can work with our federal partners, including FEMA and GSA, to secure a variety of surplus items.
-###-