ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore has declared a State of Emergency as Tropical Storm Ophelia approaches Maryland.

High winds and heavy rains are expected on Saturday and Sunday as the system bears down on the mid-Atlantic. A Wind Advisory is in effect for Saturday and State Highway Administration crews are on alert.

On Friday evening, Governor Moore issued the following statement:

Having been advised by Maryland Department of Emergency Management 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.

If you can avoid driving or being out during the storm please do so. We are expecting an extended period of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and elevated tides. Those under a tropical storm warning should be prepared and exercise caution during this multiple-day event.

Our administration is committed to doing all that we can to ensure Marylanders remain safe during this incident and will be working closely with local jurisdictions to recover after the storm.

To receive alerts, tips, and resources related to this state of emergency and other threats and hazards affecting or that may affect Maryland, text MdReady to 211-631 or text MdListo for Spanish.