Harford gets ready for rain, possible flooding and power outages, later this week in wake of Hurricane Florence
"It was the most positive news we've had since Sunday, it appears the impacts could be limited," Glassman said, but added the caveat that weather forecasts are always subject to change.
While forecasters are predicting weather "not as catastrophic" for wind and rain, the potential for flooding remains along the county's waterfront communities such as
Even with the "positive" news,
Grocery stores are packed with people buying "water, water and more water," while local government officials are worried what more water -- rain -- will do to the already-saturated ground from the rainy spring and summer seasons
Gov.
Rain or shine events for the weekend are up in the air, Glassman said.
The county began preparing for the storm Monday, with a meeting with local agencies at the
"
"We're very concerned that while
Already swelled waterways can overrun their banks, trees can topple and damage facilities and knock down power lines, closing roads and causing power outages, she said.
"Those are things we don't want to see," she said. "Even a small chance of something catastrophic is something you have to be concerned about and take seriously."
Multiple trees down presents problems for the county's public works crews, which maintain 1,200 miles of roadway, she said.
"Anything impeding the roadways we try to address quickly, but the more trees down makes it more difficult to do in a timely way," Mumby said.
Important message
Most importantly, the county is asking all residents to heed warnings and make smart decisions, and avoid walking or driving through flooded roadways.
Residents saw firsthand nearly two weeks ago what raging waters can do when a car and a person were swept off the road in a surging Broad Run.
"We want folks to heed the warning of not going through standing water," Mumby said. "We've seen the terrible reminder of the deadly power of flash floods. We are strongly urging people not to take the risk, it's not worth it."
Not only are drivers risking their own lives putting themselves in such situations, but if they get stuck they're also risking the lives of the first responders who try to rescue them, she said.
Six inches of moving water can knock down a person or stall a vehicle, and 2 feet of moving water can sweep away a vehicle away. Heed the warning to "turn around, don't drown."
Storm-related county road closures can be tracked online at http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/1164/Road-Reports and storm-related updates will be posted on the
As the storm develops, the
"We are prepared to make modifications to shifts and staffing, as needed. The HCSO will be sharing important safety and law enforcement messages on social media throughout the storm," Hopkins wrote in an email. "We are asking citizens to do their part by following any warnings and instructions by local officials."
While the
"We were told today it's very promising the storm surge threat seems to be lessening," Gamatoria said, adding that the tides are already about 3 feet higher than normal. "From lessons learned, we're having nothing of it. We're continuing to plan."
Another concern are the numerous events planned in the city this weekend. In addition to the running festival Saturday, the Havre de Grace International Food Truck Festival is Sunday and the
The carnival has been canceled, Gamatoria said.
"They can't operate big rides in 35 mph winds," he said.
Residents getting ready
"We are busy," Klein, the front-end supervisor of the Klein family's grocery stores. "It looked like a snowstorm again."
Customers are buying lots of milk, batteries, toilet paper and water as they prepare for being without power for extended periods.
The stores across the county are selling so much water an emergency order of five extra pallets per store are scheduled to be delivered Wednesday, she said.
"People seem to be taking this a little more serious than I thought," she said. "I didn't think it would happen this soon."
In the waterfront community of
"With a waterfront community, there is a higher likelihood of flooding,"
The sand will be available at the park. Bags and shovels are not provided and residents must fill their own bags, Doyle said.
At about
A pile of sand also was delivered to
In
"Our departments will be fully prepared to execute public safety. We will be well-staffed and have all equipment in position of preparedness," Reiber said.
'Quite volatile'
All the rain so far this year has been quite a challenge for nursery operators like
"You can certainly work in a drought, but you can't work in the rain," Sachs said. "We don't wish for either one, but it seems like a farmer is never happy."
When it has stopped raining this summer, the heat and humidity are excessive, he said.
"This year has been quite volatile. We can't seem to find the norm," Sachs said, adding that rainfall totals for this year are already 2 feet above average and it's only September.
Other tips
For more hurricane safety information, visit www.harfordcountymd.gov/1976/HurricanesTropical-Storms.
Record staff member
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