LEONARDTOWN, MD – The National Weather Service is forecasting severe weather that will likely impact St. Mary’s County today, Tuesday January 9, 2024, into tomorrow, Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Flooding rains, coastal flooding, and strong winds are expected. The greatest impacts will likely be seen from 3 p.m. today – 1 a.m. tomorrow.
The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Mobile Library scheduled for today has been postponed, and will now take place on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Leonardtown Library & Garvey Senior Activity Center.
Current advisories:
- High Wind Warning (3 p.m. today – 1 a.m. tomorrow)
- Flood Watch (1 p.m. today – 7 a.m. tomorrow)
- Coastal Flood Warning (9 a.m. today – 4 p.m. tomorrow)
Impacts to St. Mary’s County:
- High winds – sustained winds of 25-35 mph and gusts up to 60 mph.
- Heavy rain – new rainfall amounts of 1-3”, with 4” possible.
- Potential hazards include downed trees and power lines, power outages, minor to moderate flooding of flood-prone areas, and coastal flooding.
To prepare residents should:
- Charge cell phones and flashlights; don’t use candles for light during a power outage.
- Remove and/or secure items in your yard that could blow away.
- Never run a generator indoors or in an enclosed space.
- Call 9-1-1 if you need immediate assistance or if a tree is down and creating a hazard.
- Do not go near downed power lines and do not attempt to clear a downed tree without appropriate safety equipment.
Knowing what to do before, during, and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared and may make all the difference, when seconds count.
Visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/em to learn more about disasters, hazards, and how to be prepared for an emergency. For more information, please contact the Department of Emergency Services at (301) 475-4200 ext. 2123, or via email to ema@stmaryscountymd.gov.
