| With Tropical Storm Debby threatening significant weather impacts through late tonight, both Pennsylvania and Maryland officials are urging extra caution. Flash flooding, possible tornadoes, 30- to 50-mile-per-hour winds and power outages all could be expected. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and both the Pennsylvania and Maryland emergency management agencies remind everyone to exercise caution during periods of heavy rain and be alert for potential flooding on roadways and in low-lying areas. While the heaviest rain is expected to impact central Pennsylvania and Maryland, periods of heavy rain are possible elsewhere. This intense rainfall is expected to cause flash flooding which may make some roadways impassable. “Our crews have been preparing for days by clearing out debris around drainage inlets and under bridges while readying equipment,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “With the forecast amount of rain, we remind the public to not drive on roads that are covered with water because even shallow, swiftly flowing water can wash a car from a roadway.” “We are working with our state agency partners to be ready with any state resources that are needed to support county and local response to this storm,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “This is the time for everyone at home to make sure they’re ready by reviewing their family emergency plans, making sure they have multiple ways to get severe weather alerts and avoiding any unnecessary travel as conditions get worse.” In Maryland, the Washington County Division of Emergency Services Special Operations is equipped with five boats staffed for swift water rescue, with two available for deployment to other jurisdictions. Additionally, a Mobile Ambulance Bus and high water vehicles are on standby, ready to respond to emergencies as needed. The emergency management officials suggested having at least two ways to receive weather alerts and knowing what actions to take when the National Weather Service issues an alert. A watch is issued when weather conditions are favorable for hazardous weather in the near future, giving you time to prepare for further action. You should pay close attention to changing conditions during a watch. A warning is issued when the hazardous weather is occurring, which is your trigger to take immediate action to keep you and your loved ones safe. PennDOT officials warn motorists that the roadbed may not be intact under the water. Never drive around barricades or signs on closed roads. They reminded motorists to remember “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Anyone planning to travel should closely monitor weather conditions along travel routes. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts. People also may subscribe to statewide PennDOT news and traffic alerts at www.penndot.pa.gov/news or choose a region under “Regional Offices.” Pennsylvania residents may report a power outage to Potomac Edison dial 1-888-544-4877 or text OUT to 54487. They are asked not to phone 911 for power outages. |
