The National Hurricane Center forecasts Hurricane Sandy to track northwest after passing Cape Hatteras Sunday night and make landfall in the northern Mid-Atlantic States. This could bring significant impacts to the region Sunday through at least Tuesday.  Impacts from this storm may include:

  • Major Flooding – Upwards of 5 to 10 inches of rainfall may affect our area

  • Damaging Winds – In concert with the heavy rain, winds of tropical storm force could cause the downing of many trees and power lines.

  • Coastal Flooding – Prolonged easterly flow and a full moon are expected to produce minor coastal flooding this weekend.

The Department of Emergency Services & Technology is encouraging residents to prepare, plan and stay informed about the coming hurricane:

  • Prepare – Assemble a Kit of Emergency Supplies – Batteries, flashlight, radio, first-aid kit, medications, food and water to last three or more days, can opener, cooking tools, toiletries.

  • Plan – Create an Emergency Plan – Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan a way to contact one another, such as enlisting the help of a third party in another state as a contact, and review what you will do in different situations.

  • Stay Informed – Listen to local radio and television for the latest information on storms and other emergencies. Visit prepare.stmarysmd.com for more information.

The Department of Public Works & Transportation advises residents of the following:

  • Sand, bags, and shovels will be available at all convenience centers for residents wishing to obtain sandbags in preparation for the effects of Hurricane Sandy.  Effective Saturday October 27, 2012, this service will be available during normal convenience center hours, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

  • This is a self-serve process; staff will not be available to assist in the filling or loading of sandbags. There is a limit of 5-10 sandbags per household and shovels will be available to assist residents in the filling of bags. Supplies are based on a first come first served basis. Approximately 1000 sandbags and 10 tons of sand will init