Governor Moore signs Executive Order to enhance government coordination ahead of emergencies

ANNAPOLIS, MD—In a move to promote the safety and well-being of Maryland residents and visitors, Governor Wes Moore on Tuesday signed an executive order (PDF) establishing a State of Preparedness. This important initiative will enhance the state’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to potential hazards and threats in advance of an actual disaster. “The safety and security of our […]

Governor Moore declares State of Emergency as Tropical Storm Ophelia approaches Maryland

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: […]

FEMA, FCC plan nationwide Emergency Alert Test in October

WASHINGTON—The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) this fall. The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 4, […]

NOAA predicts a near-normal 2023 Atlantic hurricane season

BALTIMORE, MD—NOAA forecasters with the Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, predict near-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season and a 30% chance of […]

Maryland Department of Emergency Management makes up to $25 million available to local jurisdictions for disaster resiliency projects

REISTERSTOWN, MD—The Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund Program (RLF Program), which will provide money to local governments to help pay for hazard mitigation projects, is now open. The program is administered by the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, and the fund was created by legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan. “This […]

Governor Hogan announces activation of emergency response operations for winter storm, urges caution for holiday travel

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan on Thursday announced that the state has activated emergency response operations ahead of the winter storm that is set to enter the region beginning overnight. With the storm expected to create hazardous conditions, state officials are urging Marylanders to closely monitor the forecast and adjust holiday travel plans as necessary, building in extra time in case […]

Governor Hogan announces Maryland Mesonet weather tower project to enhance state’s critical infrastructure, preparedness [VIDEO]

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan this week announced a groundbreaking partnership between the State of Maryland and the University of Maryland to build and operate the Maryland Mesonet, a state-of-the-art network of 75 weather-observing towers across the state that will provide real-time community-level monitoring and improve situational awareness during rapidly changing weather conditions. “The Maryland Mesonet partnership we are announcing…through a […]

Governor Hogan announces statewide preparedness efforts for remnants of Hurricane Ian

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan on Friday announced statewide preparedness efforts as the remnants of Hurricane Ian move up the mid-Atlantic, leading to coastal flood and gale warnings in the region. Earlier this week, the governor announced the deployment of an Incident Management Team to the State of Florida to assist with the response. “In addition to sending personnel to Florida […]