Flood Tips as Maryland Prepares for Heavy Rain, Possible Hurricane Impacts

Hurricane Joaquin was upgraded to a Class 3 hurricane Wednesday night just days in advance of its expected landfall on the East Coast.

The stormy weather up and down the coast leading up to the hurricane’s arrival has already brought about record rainfall in some areas, and according to the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) rain throughout Maryland is expected to intensify beginning Thursday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood warning throughout most of the state beginning either Thursday evening or Friday morning with the potential of 5 to 10 inches of total precipitation throughout much of the state.

With this in mind, MEMA is asking Maryland residents to begin preparing for potential flooding.

“The time to prepare is right now,” said Russ Strickland, Executive Director of MEMA, in a recent news bulletin. “A few steps before heavy rain begins can help reduce effects of the storm on you, your family, and your home.”

MEMA also published some tips to help Marylanders prepare for Joaquin and the intense rainfall that may precede it:

• Clean storm drains and gutters on your house to prevent overflow and water buildup.

• Don’t wait — communicate. Know how to get in contact with your friends and family during any emergency.

• Fuel up your automobile before any storm.

• If you have a basement in your house, shelve household items and make sure any electronic equipment is not lying directly on the floor.

• Check here to see if you live or work in a flood prone area.

• Listen to instructions from local officials and know the current forecast by following your local emergency management office, forecasters, and news stations.

Follow MEMA’s Twitter feed @MDMEMA and Facebook page for more information about the possible flooding and arrival of Hurricane Joaquin.