MoCoSnow Archives - Page 52 of 72

Maryland Department of Environment Issues Drought Warning for Portions of State

Published September 27, 2023 at 11:17AM

The Maryland Department of the Environment urged public water systems, citizens and businesses in parts of the state to continue voluntary water use restrictions as a drought watch issued earlier this summer has been upgraded to a warning.

“Water conservation is a good practice year-round, but we are asking water systems to take extra precautions as dry conditions persist,” said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. “Consumers can help by limiting the use and duration of sprinklers for lawns, taking short showers as opposed to baths, and not leaving the faucet running while brushing your teeth. These things sound simple, but it all adds up.”

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

By MCS Staff

Published September 25, 2023 at 11:49AM

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:

State of Maryland Advises Motorists to Avoid Driving/Being Out; Additional Information About the Current State of Emergency

By MCS Staff

Published September 23, 2023 at 9:23AM

Per the State of Maryland: In preparation for Tropical Storm Ophelia, Governor Wes Moore has asked State departments and agencies to launch a coordinated effort to keep Marylanders safe and informed in the upcoming days. Governor Moore signed Executive Order 01.01.2023.13 declaring a state of emergency in Maryland on Friday, September 22, 2023. Here is information on what a state of emergency means.

Not all states of emergency are the same. Each state of emergency is different and can change depending on the severity of the event or emergency. Be sure to check with your local news and with MDEM for updated information related to states of emergency. A state of emergency has been declared in order to allow Maryland to coordinate and request emergency resources and support. A state of emergency allows the Governor to access certain resources, like the National Guard, in order to increase the State’s response.

Governor Moore Declares State of Emergency

By MCS Staff

Published September 22, 2023 at 8:43PM

Per Maryland Governor Wes Moore: “Having been advised by Maryland Department of Emergency Management- MDEM on the impending impact of severe weather predicted as part of Tropical Storm Ophelia, I am declaring a state of emergency.

We are asking all Marylanders to remain vigilant, to stay tuned to local news stations for the latest updates, and to follow any instructions local officials may provide during this state of emergency.

Tropical Cyclone Statement by the National Weather Service

By MCS Staff

Published September 21, 2023 at 10:28PM

Per the National Weather Service: Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen will move northward toward the Mid-Atlantic Coast through Friday before moving northward near the Mid-Atlantic Coast Saturday through Sunday. The main threat will be a storm surge with inundation around 2 to 3 feet most likely for locations along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay as well as the shore of the Tidal Potomac River.

The highest water levels will be around times of high tide Saturdaythrough Saturday night. Rainfall will most likely average between 1 to 3 inches with localized amounts around 3 to 5 inches possible. The best chance for the highest rainfall amounts will be near and east of Interstate 95.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch For Most of the DMV Area Until 9pm Thursday Night

By MCS Staff

Published September 7, 2023 at 1:26PM

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Montgomery County and surrounding areas until 9:00pm, today, 9/7. The primary risk is large hail, damaging winds, and lightning. Severe thunderstorms can and […]

Record Breaking Heat Possible Today; Heat Advisory in Effect

By MCS Staff

Published September 6, 2023 at 7:59AM

Per the National Weather Service: “A Heat Advisory is in effect for much of the area this afternoon. Record heat is once again possible today. Drink plenty of fluids today and take plenty of breaks. Be sure to know the warning signs of heat-related illnesses.” The advisory begins at noon and lasts until 7pm today (Wednesday, September 6).

Montgomery County officials have also issued an Hyperthermia Alert and urge residents to take precautions to protect themselves, and their loved ones, against heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. A Hyperthermia Alert is issued for the County when forecasted temperatures, and/or heat index, in at least part of the County is at least 95 degrees or higher creating a hazardous situation in which heat-stroke and heat exhaustion are likely.

Heat Advisory in Effect Starting Noon For DMV Area; Heat Index of Up To 105° Possible

By MCS Staff

Published September 5, 2023 at 9:10AM

Per the National Weather Service: “A Heat Advisory is in effect for much of the area between 12-8pm today. Heat index values this afternoon will range between 100-105 degrees. If spending extended times outdoors please stay hydrated & take plenty of breaks.”

Montgomery County has also issued a Heat Emergency. “These dangerously hot temperatures and heat index values could cause heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Try to stay in an air-conditioned location. Stay hydrated. When possible, take frequent breaks in a cool, shaded area.

Heat Emergency Alert Issued For Montgomery County on Tuesday, September 5

By MCS Staff

Published September 4, 2023 at 6:07PM | Updated September 4, 2023 at 6:24PM

Montgomery County has activated a Hyperthermia Alert for extreme heat for Tuesday, Sep 5 from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Expect the heat index to be above 95 degrees. Stay hydrated. Take precautions to protect yourself & pets from heat-related illnesses: County officials urge residents to take precautions to protect themselves, and their loved ones, against heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. A Hyperthermia Alert is issued for the County when forecasted temperatures, and/or heat index, in at least part of the County is at least 95 degrees or higher creating a hazardous situation in which heat-stroke and heat exhaustion are likely.

A Heat Emergency Alert could be issued for the County when dangerously hot conditions are present, including, but not limited to, temperatures and/or heat index reaching 105 degrees for a period of at least two days or longer for which it will be dangerous to anyone exposed to the heat for an extended period of time. Residents are also asked to check on elderly friends, relatives and neighbors who may be isolated, to ensure they are not showing signs of heat-related illnesses.

“Vibrant Fireball” Seen By Many in the Mid-Atlantic Region Sunday Night

By MCS Staff

Published September 4, 2023 at 8:07AM

At approximately 9:25, many in the Mid-Atlantic region witnessed a shooting star streak through the sky. The Capital Weather Gang’s Jason Samenow described it as a “vibrant fireball” streaking across the Mid-Atlantic sky. “It is probable that the meteor — or rock from space that entered Earth’s atmosphere — was a fireball, or particularly bright meteor.”

Many in Virginia, DC, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York captured the bright shooting star on camera, including Instagram user @OfficiallyKingPhilly from right here in Montgomery County, MD (explicit language warning). His video and a collection of videos from meteorologist Justin Berk can be seen below:

Heat Emergency Alert Issued For Montgomery County Monday

By MCS Staff

Published September 3, 2023 at 9:44PM

Montgomery County has issued a Heat Emergency Alert from 12 – 6 pm on Monday, September 4. Residents should prepare for heat index values to reach 95+ degrees during the afternoon hours. These dangerously hot temperatures and heat index values could cause heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Try to stay in an air-conditioned location. Stay hydrated. When possible, take frequent breaks in a cool, shaded area.

Don’t forget your pets! If you see an animal outside who appears to be in danger, call the Animal Services Division at 301-279-8000. The following precautions will help residents remain safe and more comfortable during excessive heat days: