TS Debby Tracks Toward MD, How To Prepare For Rains, Flooding

MARYLAND — With a state of preparedness declared in Maryland as the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby move in later this week, residents should get ready for flooding, damaging winds, and potential power outages. The state should see the most rainfall from the storm's remnants on Friday, unless it stalls, which could increase the flood risk

Several inches of expected in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C., region, with some models showing the highest rainfall totals west and north of D.C., The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang said. Some flooding is possible, especially in typically poor drainage areas or if the system stalls.

Gov. Wes Moore issued the preparedness order Tuesday afternoon as Debby brought prolonged downpours and flooding to some of America's most historic Southern cities in Georgia and South Carolina.

Debby is expected to move slowly across the south and hover over the Atlantic Ocean for the next few days before moving northeastward across eastern North Carolina and Virginia later this week, the National Weather Service said in its latest forecast. The storm could lead to potentially record-setting rainfall in some places.

While the storm's track remains uncertain, the system could bring heavy rain, winds, and inland and tidal flooding to parts of Maryland, according to forecasters.

Here are some tips to prepare for Debby's arrival, according to the Maryland Department of Emergency Management and Ready.gov.

Before The Storm

• Sign up for alerts and warnings from your county and state, as well as NOAA Weather Radio.
• Make a plan - visit https://www.ready.gov/plan.
• Plan with neighbors - communities are more resilient when they work together. See Guide to Emergency Planning for Communities.
• Know hurricane evacuation zones - visit KnowYourZoneMD.
• Practice emergency drills both at home and at the office.
• Make and test a family communications plan. Designate a central contact number with a family member or trusted friend, perhaps out of town. Text messages will go through when voice lines are overloaded
• Assemble or update emergency supplies.
• Safeguard valuable documents both physically and digitally
• Make your home safer.
• Document and insure your property.
• Get involved in your community - take an emergency course, volunteer, request a preparedness presentation from local emergency management officials.
• Download the FEMA app and visit Ready.gov or Listo.gov for preparedness tips.

During The Storm

• Tune into local radio and TV stations for official weather information.
• Follow instructions and advice given by emergency officials.
• Stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors.
• Close all interior doors and secure and brace external doors.
• Avoid using the phone except in the case of emergencies.
• If you live in a mobile home, plan to leave if directed to do so by officials. Mobile homes are unsafe in high winds.
• Do not attempt to evacuate during the height of a storm. You are safer in your home than out on the road
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill a bathtub or other large container with the water.

After The Storm

• Continue to follow local radio and TV stations for official weather information.
• If you evacuated your home, only return when officials say it is safe.
• Contact your local emergency management office to find out about shelter locations near you.
• Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
• Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
• Stay out of any building if you smell gas.
• Stay out of floodwaters.
• Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage for insurance purposes.
• Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water in case of contamination.
• Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it away.
• If you have become separated from your family, contact the American Red Cross at 800-733-2767 or visit the American Red Cross Safe and Well website.

Power Outages

Residents can check Baltimore Gas & Electric's outage map after the storm to see if there are widespread outages.

PEPCO, which serves much of Prince George's and Montgomery counties, asked customers who see a downed wire to report it at 1-877-737-2662 or go on the utility's website. Do not touch or try to remove the downed lines and consider all downed lines as energized and extremely dangerous.

Harford County residents who are Delmarva Power customers can report an outage, check an outage status, and track your outage at Experiencing an Outage | Pepco - An Exelon Company.