O'Malley Monitors Eastern Shore Flooding

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY, MEMA MONITORING SOUTHERN, EASTERN PARTS OF MARYLAND FOR ANTICIPATED FLOODING;

GOVERNOR ACTIVATES EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER;

MEMA MOVES TO LEVEL 3 ACTIVIATION TO COORDINATE RESPONSE

REISTERSTOWN, MD (November 12, 2009) – Due to anticipated flooding and high winds because of a storm system moving up the Atlantic Coast, Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland Emergency Management Agency to partially activate its emergency operations center to provide support to local responders and emergency managers.

At the direction of the Governor, MEMA has moved to a Level 3 activation of the SEOC bringing representatives from a variety of state agencies and other local partners together to monitor and respond to anticipated flooding, if necessary. Because of the nature of this weather event, the primary responding agencies will focus on public health, transportation, public works and shelter support.

“We are working with MEMA and our local partners to monitor this weather event so that we are prepared to respond quickly with all available resources, if necessary,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “We are asking all residents of coastal and low-lying areas to monitor their local news for further updates from emergency managers.”

The National Weather Service is forecasting heavy rain and strong winds, particularly on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and in Southern Maryland. Low-lying areas will likely see flooding over the next 24 hours.

“While we do not anticipate a storm of the magnitude of Hurricane Isabel in 2003, this still will be a significant event for some parts of the State,” said Maryland Emergency Management Agency Director Richard Muth. “I encourage resident of low-lying and coastal areas along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries and the Atlantic coast to monitor news broadcasts and follow the advice of their local emergency managers.”

As part of the activation, MEMA is opening its Joint Information Center. Until 11 p.m. tonight, media calls may be directed to Ed McDonough at 410-517-3632 (desk) or 410-446-3333 (cell). After 11 p.m. tonight, calls may be directed to the Joint Information Center at 410-517-3634, 410-517-3605, 410-517-5135 or 800-422-8799.