Sandy could become 'powerful nor'easter' for USAlong the U.S. East Coast, residents were told to be wary headed into the weekend. by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 10/25/2012 5:28:43 PM
Baltimore emergency management officials released a statement Thursday, saying they are working with Maryland Emergency Management Agency officials to monitor and prepare for the hurricane should it reach the area.
They warn residents to also prepare for potential weather-related power and water outages, in addition to fallen trees, minor flooding and localized damage.
Officials say residents should buy the following essentials to be prepared:
- Battery-powered radio with extra batteries should power go out.
- Flashlights or battery-powered lanterns with extra batteries. Officials discourage using candles because of the risk for fire.
- Water to last three days -- at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and washing.
In the event of a power outage, officials remind residents that food will stay frozen for 36 hours in a fully loaded freezer if the door is kept closed.
Officials also ask the public to clear any debris from storm drains.
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 10/25/2012 5:57:43 PM
Schools in Palm Beach County announced Wednesday evening that schools will dismiss early and will close all day Friday. On Thursday, Brevard County schools announced classes canceled for Friday.
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 10/25/2012 6:02:56 PM
(AP) - Forecasters on Thursday said there's a 90 percent chance that the East will get steady gale-force winds, flooding, heavy rain and maybe snow starting Sunday and stretching past Wednesday.
NOAA forecaster Jim Cisco said the storm is so massive that the effects will be felt along the entire coast from Florida to Maine and inland to Ohio.
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 10/25/2012 6:05:02 PM
From MEMA: During a Storm Threat
- Stay tuned to radio and TV for official weather information. Refresh wbaltv.com and check WBAL-TV 11's mobile site and app, and count on WBAL-TV 11 News for the latest updates.
- Follow instructions and advice given by emergency officials.
- Bring in or tie down lawn furniture and other loose items outdoors.
- If you live in a mobile home, plan to leave. Mobile homes are unsafe in high winds.
- If you live in a high-rise in a coastal area, plan to leave. Hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
- Stay away from windows and doors even if they're covered. Try to stay in an interior room or hallway.
- Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.
- Do not attempt to evacuate during the height of a hurricane. You are safer buttoned down in your home than out on the road where flying debris can be hazardous.
- Turn refrigerator to maximum cold setting.
- Turn off utilities if told to do so.
- Fill bathtub and large containers with water.
- Remember that hurricanes can spawn tornadoes, flooding and flash flooding as well as hail and lightning. Stay inside during a hurricane!
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 10/25/2012 6:47:43 PM
(AP) - Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. is putting workers on standby and making plans to bring in crews from other states. So is PPL Corp. in Pennsylvania. In western Maryland, Potomac Edison is denying new vacation requests until storm repairs are made.
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 10/25/2012 7:24:28 PM
Carroll County Emergency Operation Personnel are monitoring the projected path of Hurricane Sandy. The county will broadcast weather-related information on its media, including:
Office of Public Safety FacebookCarroll County Government WebsiteCarroll County Government Twitter:
@CarrollCoMDCarroll County Access Channel 24
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 10/25/2012 8:27:46 PM
FROM BGE -- The utility continues to monitor the storm closely, pre-mobilizing almost 1,300 crews and working with out-of-state crews to address potential impact. Customers also are reminded to call 877-778-2222 to report a power outage or downed wire using BGE’s automated system.
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 10/25/2012 8:30:15 PM
Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz will host a press briefing with emergency response personnel to update residents on the County's emergency preparedness in anticipation Hurricane Sandy's potential to bring damaging weather to the Mid-Atlantic region Friday at 1:30 p.m.
by Greg Ng/wbaltv.com 10/25/2012 9:12:23 PM