Glen Burnie, Md. (August 3, 2020) Today, County Executive Steuart Pittman announced a partial activation of the county’s Emergency Operations Center on Tuesday morning to prepare for the heavy rains and winds expected as Tropical Storm Isaias approaches the area. The National Hurricane Center currently forecasts the storm to pass through Maryland on Tuesday morning bringing the potential for tropical storm force winds, a two-foot storm surge, and as much as six inches of rain to Anne Arundel County. In response, the County Executive has directed the county’s Emergency Operations Center to partially activate at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning to monitor the storm and to coordinate the county’s response.
“I ask all Anne Arundel County residents to take this storm seriously,” said County Executive Pittman. “Please be safe, and prepare now for what could be a dangerous day tomorrow. Secure outdoor furniture, prepare for possible power outages, and don’t travel tomorrow if you can avoid it. We have a strong team of first responders and emergency management professionals working to keep us safe. If you need assistance, contact the Office of Emergency Management at 410-222-0600.” TTY users should call via Maryland 7-1-1.
Anne Arundel County is under a tropical storm warning from the National Weather Service. In addition, the county is under a flash flood watch from August 3, 11:00 p.m. until August 4, 11:00 p.m and a coastal flood watch from August 4, 6:00 a.m. until August 5, 12:00 a.m.
- Winds - There is a 60 to 70 percent probability of experiencing tropical storm force winds (between 39 - 73 miles per hour), beginning early Tuesday morning and continuing through late Tuesday evening. Winds could cause scattered wind damage and power outages.
- Storm Surge - There is a potential for up to 2 feet storm surge above ground within surge prone areas, between early Tuesday morning and Tuesday evening.
- Rainfall - The precipitation estimate currently ranges from three to six inches of rainfall between late Monday evening and Wednesday. Isolated higher totals possible. Prolonged heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding.
The Office of Emergency Management recommends that residents assemble disaster supply kits to include the following items: one gallon of water per person to last at least three days, non-perishable food supply for at least three days, battery or crank powered weather radio and extra batteries, flashlight, first aid kit, and required prescription medication. Disaster supplies should also include special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members and pets, as well as COVID-19 supplies such as masks and hand sanitizer.
Power outages should be reported to BGE at 1-877-778-222 or your local utility provider.
In the event of power outages, county officials advise extreme caution when operating generators. Follow manufacturer’s operating instructions and always keep generators outside in well-ventilated areas away from open windows. Never use fuel powered generators indoors or in a garage to avoid all exposure to carbon monoxide- a colorless, odorless, tasteless and deadly.
In the event of flooding, county officials remind residents never to drive through standing water and always obey road closures.
Residents should monitor the local weather channel or county social media for advisories and updates on the storm. Additional information is available at www.aacounty.org/OEM or calling the Office of Emergency Management at 410-222-0600.
County officials advise that businesses and other organizations or facilities that have set up tents to serve customers during the COVID pandemic should secure them for strong winds or take them down. Marina owners should take steps to secure and move boats. Members of the agricultural community are advised to follow any guidance from the Maryland Department of Agriculture in terms of food, shelter and water for livestock.
If needed, the Office of Emergency Management is prepared with evacuation and shelter plans that will involve key agencies such as the Department of Social Services, the Anne Arundel County chapter of the American Red Cross, and the Office of Transportation.
Several county departments announced closures or changes to services due to the tropical storm:
Because of the severe weather, the Department of Public Works (DPW) has postponed Tuesday’s curbside collection services until Wednesday. In addition, the department asks the public to limit wastewater discharge during and immediately after the storm to minimize the flow through the public wastewater system. In the event of a wide-spread power outage that would limit the ability to pump or treat water, DPW encourages residents to draw and store water for drinking, hygiene, and toilets. To report a water or wastewater emergency, contact 410-222-8400. To report downed trees on County roads call the DPW Storm Center at 410-222-4040.
The Department of Recreation and Parks announced that Summer Child Care/Camp programs located in the Senior Centers, Aquatic Centers, and South County Recreation Center will be closed on August 4.
The Department of Aging and Disabilities announced that the Senior Nutrition Program food distribution has been rescheduled from Tuesday, August 4 to Thursday afternoon, August 6, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For questions regarding this change, call 410-222-0256. Assisted living facilities and nursing homes have been contacted to be ready to implement their emergency plans.
The Anne Arundel County Public Library announced that all buildings and services will be closed on August 4.
The Anne Arundel Department of Health has canceled its COVID-19 testing clinics on August 4. County residents can call 410-222-7256 to reschedule tests or for any COVID-19 concerns.
County Executive Pittman will continue to closely monitor the storm and is prepared for a wider scale response and activation if needed.
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