Watch for tornado risk, heavy rain from Debby

2024-08-09 15:40:02

|| Closings | Weather Advisories | Radar | Forecast | Email Alerts | Send us your pics ||Here’s how to get severe weather alerts from the WBAL-TV appNATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER ADVISORY — 6 a.m. Friday, LAST NHC UPDATETropical Depression DebbyLocation: 38.2 N 79.1W, north of Richmond, Virginia Maximum sustained winds: 30 mphMovement: NNE at 35 mphMinimum central pressure: 1003 mbHURRICANE PREPARATION: How to prepare for hurricanesA tornado watch has been issued for Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties 7 a.m. Friday.UPDATE: (6 p.m.) — The Montgomery County tornado warning has expired.UPDATE: Baltimore City canceled all recycling, trash and street sweeping services on Friday. They will be made up on Monday.BALTIMORE — Maryland is monitoring potential threats of flooding and tornadoes related to Tropical Depression Debby.Debby was downgraded to a tropical depression as of the 5 p.m. Thursday update.Chief Meteorologist Tom Tasselmyer said Baltimore will be on the east side of Debby, which means storms could spin up tornadoes in Maryland overnight and into early Friday morning.The strongest impacts of the storm system in the Baltimore area will arrive in Maryland by early Friday morning and persist through the afternoon with gusty winds of about 30-40 mph, strong thunderstorms and the possibility of tornadoes east of the storm track.Video below: National Hurricane Center update (11:30 a.m. Thursday)FLOODING: Along the storm track and to its west, there will be very heavy rain and gusty winds. The worst of the rainfall is expected to fall in the Western Maryland mountains.Some 1-4 inches of rain is expected near and east of the Interstate 95 corridor with 4-8 inches likely along and west of the Blue Ridge mountains through Friday evening.As of Thursday afternoon, Western Maryland is under a Flood Watch Friday afternoon to Saturday afternoon.A coastal flood advisories and warnings are in effect through early Saturday for parts of the Eastern Shore and Anne Arundel County.Significant flooding is likely on small rivers and streams where the heaviest rain falls, the weather service said. Mainstem river flooding is possible along parts of the Potomac, Monocacy, Rappahannock and Shenandoah rivers.Minor to moderate tidal flooding is likely along the Chesapeake Bay and tidal Potomac River.Refresh this page throughout the day and week for updates.Download the WBAL-TV app NOW and turn on push alerts to be aware of severe weather warnings, listen to NOAA Weather radio, and watch WBAL-TV 11 when impending severe weather develops.@wbaltv11 | @TTasselWBAL | @AvaWBAL | @TonyPannWBAL | @DalenciaWBAL | @alenaleewxMOVEMENT: The depression is moving toward the north-northwest near 10 mph. It’s forecast to make a faster turn northward or north-northeastward over the next couple days.Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next couple of days, but Debby is expected to become a post-tropical cyclone on Friday.Depresión Tropical Debby advertenciaA las 2 p.m., el centro de la Depresión Tropical Debby se localizó tierra adentro cerca de la latitud 35.1 Norte, longitud 80.2 Oeste.La depresión se está moviendo hacia el norte-noroeste cerca de 10 mph. Se espera un movimiento más rápido hacia el norte o hacia el norte-noreste durante el próximo día o dos.Los vientos máximos sostenidos están cerca de 35 mph con ráfagas más fuertes. Se pronostica poco cambio en la fuerza durante los próximos dos días, pero se espera que Debby se convierta en un ciclón post-tropical el viernes.La presión central mínima estimada basada en las observaciones de superficie es de 998 mb.Maryland prepares for DebbyMaryland Gov. Wes Moore on Tuesday signed a state of preparedness declaration ahead of the storm’s potential arrival in the state later this week.”We have seen the images of damages caused by this storm in the south, so it is important that Maryland remains vigilant as we prepare for the possible effects on our state,” Moore said in a statement released Thursday. “The Maryland Department of Emergency Management has coordinated with the National Weather Service and our state and local partners to prepare. We also want all Marylanders to remain vigilant and to be prepared — reach out to relatives, friends and neighbors to offer help to those who may be vulnerable.”To receive state alerts, tips and resources related to threats and hazards affecting or that may affect Maryland, text “MdReady” to 211-631 or text “MdListo” to 211-631 for Spanish.On Thursday, the Maryland State Highway Administration mobilized crews to clear storm drain systems of debris, organized tree contractors, checked on generators and loaded highwater signs in maintenance trucks. The SHA said it has a staging plan to handle impacts from the storm and ensure that equipment is prepared for storm deployment.The SHA advises motorists to remain vigilant and adjust travel plans when and where possible. Motorists can visit chart.maryland.gov​ for real-time travel information, including access to hundreds of live traffic cameras. Motorists who become disabled or be involved in a crash can dial #77 for help, and be sure to move as far off the roadway as possible and turn on hazard lights.BGE adds crews in advance of storm’s arrivalThe remnants set to sweep into the region from Tropical Storm Debby are set to come just days after Saturday’s storm left hundreds of downed trees and thousands without power in it’s path.”We saw the impact of days-long power outages last weekend, and we want to make sure we’re exploring every option if families are put in that situation again,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott. “Our hope is that this will not escalate to that point, but we have to be prepared regardless.”Video below: BGE prepares for potential power outagesBaltimore Gas and Electric released a statement Thursday, saying it has scheduled additional of its own crews as well as contractors to respond to any potential storm-related power outages this weekend.BGE reminds customers to report outages as follows. Online at BGE.com BGE’s free mobile app, available at the Apple Store or Google Play Text a message to 69243 (MyBGE) Call 877-778-2222The company has state-of-the-art technology in place to detect and circumvent power outages. Half of the power outages are caused by trees and other vegetation falling on wires, according to BGE.Nancy Schuler, the assistant general manager at Papi’s Tacos in Hampden is just getting over last week’s storm which knocked out power to her business. Electricity didn’t return for over two days. Quick thinking helped her scramble to preserve food.”We put it in our vehicles,” Schuler said. “We have catering carts, we took some of it over in carts and some over in cars.”Although Schuler lost power, a BGE spokesperson said last Saturday’s storm could have been much worse. The company has an automated system in place that prevented more than 127,000 outages.”That can isolate outages, reconfigure the system automatically to re-route power, and bring customers back online who lost service,” said BGE spokesperson Nick Alexopulos. “And isolated the outage to as fewer customers and possible so our crews can go out and restore it.”During a powerful storm, the lights flicker. But BGE said that’s actually a good sign. It means your power is not likely to go out. BGE installed re-close sensors throughout its system, which detect potential disruptions.”What it does, it senses a fault on a line and will open and close it a few times to check to see if the the fault has cleared,” said Alexopulos. “It automatically restores power to customers. They don’t have to wait, and we can devote our time to outages that affect the most people.”When power does go out, people wonder for how long, and what the priority is to restore it.”First, we are addressing critical infrastructure, pumping stations and hospitals,” Alexopulos said. Then, we are going after outages that have been persistent for the longest period of time and where it will get the most people back in service.”Meanwhile, Schuler has some state-of-mind advice.”You just got to go with it,” she said. “You got to do what you got to do to survive.”BGE reminds the public that fallen overhead power lines should never be approached or touched, even if the lines do not appear to be live or sparking. Additionally, if you smell gas, get at least 100 feet away and call BGE immediately.Annapolis storm preparationsThe city of Annapolis announced it’s making preparations for potential flooding, downed trees and power outages. If necessary, the Annapolis departments of Public Works and Recreation and Parks will deploy damage assessment teams, and “cut and toss” teams for debris removal. The Annapolis Office of Emergency Management will coordinate cleanup efforts.SANDBAGS: Sandbags will be made available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at City Dock (1 Dock St.) for Annapolis residents and businesses only.Baltimore City storm preparationsThe mayor said on Wednesday that the city has drafted an unsigned state of emergency declaration in preparation to be ready in the event it’s needed.Officials activated the city’s emergency operations center Thursday to manage emergency responses.Video below: Baltimore City prepares for possible flooding.SANDBAGS: The Baltimore City Department of Transportation is making sandbags available from 1-6 p.m. Thursday for residents at three locations across the city, particularly for residents in frequently flooded areas.Fells Point: Intersection of Thames and BroadwayIrvington: Stillmeadow Church, 5110 Frederick Ave.Mervo High School: Intersection of Hillen Road and 35th StreetPARKING: The Parking Authority of Baltimore City is making free parking spaces available to Fells Point residents from 10 a.m. Thursday until Saturday in city-owned parking facilities as follows.Fleet & Eden Garage (501 S. Eden St.)Caroline Street Garage (805 S. Caroline St.)Little Italy Parking Garage (400 S. Central Ave.)EMERGENCY SHELTER: An emergency shelter will open Friday and Saturday at the Robert C. Marshall Recreation Center. The rec center will close early at 6 p.m. Thursday to make way for preparations.EVENTS CANCELED: The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks has canceled all outdoor permitted events and all outdoor recreation activities, including BCRP-sponsored summer camps. All pools will close Thursday and Saturday, and the Teen Pool Party scheduled for Friday night is canceled.Maryland urban search and rescue team deploys to SCA group of Maryland rescue teams are in South Carolina to respond to Debby.The Maryland Task Force One urban search and rescue team left Sunday night. The team’s 45 members come from the fire departments of Montgomery, Howard and Frederick counties.The team may move to another region, depending on needs, during its two-week deployment. ALERTS: Severe weather alerts from the WBAL-TV app: step-by-step guideCLOSINGS: See if schools, businesses or organizations have closed or delayedRADAR: Track the storm on WBAL-TV’s interactive radarROADS: Check for crashes and backups with our interactive traffic mapTORNADO SURVIVAL: 5 things you need to do nowLATEST HURRICANE CONELATEST HURRICANE MODELS GULF SATELLITEMARYLAND’S WEATHER RADARMARYLAND’S 7-DAY FORECASTWBAL-TV 11 Maryland Weather RadarApp users tap here for radar.Stay informed, understand the terminologyTropical storms and hurricanes each have two descriptors, a watch and a warning. Watches and warnings are issued in advance of the onset of tropical storm force winds (39-73 mph).WATCH: This means tropical storm or hurricane conditions are possible in the “watch area.” A watch is issued up to 48 hours in advance of the onset of tropical storm-force winds.WARNING: This means tropical storm or hurricane conditions are expected in the “warning area.” A warning is issued up to 36 hours in advance of the onset of tropical storm-force winds.Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained surface winds of 38 mph or less.Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds ranging from 39-73 mph.Category 1 hurricane: Sustained winds of 74-95 mph — very dangerous winds will produce some damage.Category 2 hurricane: 96-110 mph winds — Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.Category 3 major hurricane: 111-129 mph winds — Devastating damage will occur. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.Category 4 major hurricane: 130-156 mph winds — Catastrophic damage will occur. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.Category 5 major hurricane: 157 mph winds or higher — Catastrophic damage will occur. A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. Hurricane season can be a daunting time of year if you live in a hurricane-prone region like the Mid-Atlantic. A single hurricane making landfall can leave a trail of devastation, especially in the most flood-prone areas of Baltimore.While it’s rare for an actual hurricane (that is, a storm with sustained winds above 74 mph) to make landfall in Baltimore, it’s not uncommon for the remnants of one to bring storm surges, heavy rainfall and high winds, which can be plenty destructive. (The most recent hurricanes to cause major damage in Maryland were Irene in 2011 and Isabel in 2003.) Low-lying areas of the city — such as Mount Washington, Clipper Mill and Fells Point — are particularly vulnerable to flooding.How to prepare for hurricanesHere are some of the most important hurricane preparedness recommendations for homeowners in Florida and in other hurricane-prone states.Know your zoneThe Maryland Department of Emergency Management makes it easy to know if you need to evacuate during a hurricane or tropical storm. Visit KnowYourZoneMD.com and enter your address to find out what evacuation zone you live in (they’re color-coded and labeled either A, B or C).During severe weather, you’ll then receive instructions on whether to evacuate or shelter in place. The highest risk areas will be evacuated first, followed by lower risk zones, if needed. (Note that even if you don’t live in one of the three official zones, you might still need to evacuate, depending on the weather situation.)Know your evacuation routeBefore or during a hurricane, you might be ordered to evacuate your home. Find out the locations of your closest shelters and figure out how you will get to them. While Baltimore does not designate specific evacuation routes, you can plan ahead by looking up alternative driving routes. If possible, keep a map in your vehicle so you can redirect yourself on the fly, if necessary.Store and collect suppliesMake sure you have enough food, water and medical supplies for each family member to last at least two or three days. Your hurricane supply kit should also be stocked with a radio, extra batteries, a flashlight, space blankets and important documents.Don’t forget your petsYour pets are important members of the family, and they need to be taken care of during an emergency. Learn which shelters do and don’t accept pets. Or, you can consider a pet-friendly hotel that’s outside the evacuation zone.Download the FEMA mobile appFEMA’s mobile app has many disaster resources, including safety tips and weather alerts. It also has a checklist of emergency supplies and shelters and will keep you updated with real-time alerts from the National Weather Service.Protect your homeOnce you’ve made your emergency plan and assembled your emergency kit, it’s time to prepare your home. While this list can feel overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be done all at once. Instead, start working your way through the list now, and check off items once completed.Landscaping — Replace gravel or stone garden beds with lighter material that will not damage your property in high winds.Trees and shrubs — Remove any weak, dying, or damaged trees and branches which could break off in high winds and crash into your house.Windows — Consider installing storm shutters to prevent window glass from breaking. Plywood sheets can also be used in a pinch.Doors — Think about swapping your current doors for hurricane-proof doors with three hinges and a deadbolt. Ideally, glass sliding doors should be made of tempered glass and protected by storm shutters or plywood.Garage doors — Ensure your garage or roller doors are in good working condition and locked securely.Vents and wall openings — Fill any vents or exterior holes with high-quality urethane-based caulk to prevent water penetration.Boats — If you keep a boat in your yard, anchor your boat securely to a tree or the ground before the storm arrives.Insurance coverageIf you live in an area that experiences hurricanes and tropical storms, it’s important to have the right insurance coverage. Tap here to see some types of insurance that will cover your home and your personal belongings in the event of a major storm.