By Jacob Stolzenbach
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Hurricane Florence, predicted to be one of the worst storms in decades, is due to make landfall in the Carolinas later this week with a path that could bring tropical storm-force winds to Maryland.
As part of the statewide emergency preparedness, Towson University officials said the campus is a shelter site for the Maryland Department of Human Services, Office of Emergency Operations.
If needed, Burdick Hall may be used as a public shelter, officials said. The shelter site is located at the corner of Towsontown Boulevard and University Avenue.
Gov. Larry Hogan on Monday declared a state of emergency.
“There is an elevated potential for historic and catastrophic rainfall, life-threatening flooding, and high winds,” Hogan said in a press release that noted mandatory evacuations for parts of South Carolina and other areas on the East Coast.
“Plan and be prepared ahead of this storm,” Hogan said. “Do not wait until Wednesday.”
[pullquote]”Residents should prepare now to get along for seven days without power,” said Jay Ringgold, head of Homeland Security and Emergency Management of Baltimore County.[/pullquote]Baltimore County police are warning residents of falling trees and power outages, as well as flooding within many areas of the county. Power outages can last days or weeks, police said, adding that residents should be prepared for days, not just hours, without lights or electricity.
“Soils are saturated already from months of above-average rainfall,” said Jay Ringgold, head of Homeland Security and Emergency Management of Baltimore County. “Residents should prepare now to get along for seven days without power.”
Hurricane watches and storm surge watches remain posted in portions of North and South Carolinas and Virginia. Tropical storm watches have been issued farther north, from the border between North Carolina and Virginia to Cape Charles Lighthouse, Virginia, forecasters said. This includes Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia.
While it is difficult to predict where Hurricanes will go once they make landfall, forecasters said that winds can change depending on the speed of the hurricane. It is expected that the Baltimore area will be affected. The National Weather Service said that the hurricane will stall, and drop heavy rain. Inland and coastal areas that are prone to flooding are numerous in the county and preparations should be begin before it is too late, officials said.
“We could very well find ourselves affected by dangerous flooding and strong winds later this week,” Baltimore County Executive Don Mohler said in a statement.
The Baltimore County Fire Department offered advice on preparations for Hurricane Florence. Officials said that residents should locate and purchase supplies such as non-perishable food, battery powered radios, flashlights, and a can opener. Items needed for pets, infants, and vulnerable adults should be easily accessible, officials said.
“At least a gallon of water per person, per day, plus extra for pets is needed,” fire officials said.