MD Dept. Of Emergency Management Responds to Criticism of State of Emergency for Tropical Storm Ophelia

Tropical Storm Ophelia made its way through Maryland over the weekend, dropping plenty of rain, downing trees, and flooding coastal areas. Governor Wes Moore declared a State of Emergency before the storm and the state of Maryland advised motorists to avoid driving/being out during the storm, but not everyone was satisfied with the decision to make the declaration as a few criticized the Governor’s decision.

One tweet stated, “That storm was nothing more than a little wind and rain around here with some minor coastal flooding. There was 0 need to declare a state of emergency.”, which prompted to Maryland Department of Emergency Management to reply with the following:

“Incorrect. Ophelia had the capacity and ability to destroy life and property. The SoE declaration allowed the Governor to activate the MD National Guard, preposition assets, access other resources, & allows MD to request assistance & resources from other states if we needed them.” The interaction can be seen below:

Incorrect. Ophelia had the capacity and ability to destroy life and property. The SoE declaration allowed the Governor to activate the MD National Guard, preposition assets, access other resources, & allows MD to request assistance & resources from other states if we needed them. https://t.co/BeIqfuu57e

— Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) (@MDMEMA) September 25, 2023

Featured photo courtesy of the National Weather Service