Governor Wes Moore Declares State of Preparedness Ahead of Severe Storms

Governor Wes Moore has declared a State of Preparedness across Maryland ahead of a significant severe weather event expected Monday, March 16, 2026, bringing widespread storms with damaging winds, hail, and an elevated tornado threat.

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The declaration comes as forecasters warn of potentially dangerous conditions that could impact all Maryland residents, with the governor emphasizing the need for proactive preparation and vigilance.

FOX 5 DC

'In declaring a State of Preparedness for Maryland, I am directing the Department of Emergency Management to coordinate readiness efforts across state government in advance of the incoming severe storms,' said Gov. Moore, who stressed that 'the safety of Maryland families comes first.'

The move underscores the serious nature of the approaching weather system that poses multiple threats to public safety and infrastructure across the state.

The State of Preparedness declaration enhances Maryland's ability to respond swiftly and effectively to potential hazards before they escalate, creating an easier path for information sharing and coordination among state agencies.

Multiple departments including emergency management, transportation, law enforcement, and public health are actively coordinating their preparedness efforts to ensure comprehensive coverage of the storm's potential impacts.

governor.maryland.gov

The Maryland Department of Emergency Management will activate the State Emergency Operations Center to monitor the storm's progression and coordinate the state's response efforts.

'We are working with our state and local partners to prepare for potential impacts across Maryland,' said Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland, who emphasized that they are 'planning for the possibility of hazardous conditions which could include debris, downed powerlines, and travel disruptions.'

This coordinated approach represents the state's commitment to proactive emergency management ahead of the severe weather event.

According to the National Weather Service, the weather system is expected to significantly impact Maryland beginning Monday mid-morning through the evening, bringing multiple threats that require heightened awareness from residents and visitors alike.

“ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today declared a State of Preparedness ahead of significant risk for widespread, severe storms producing damaging winds, hail, and a heightened tornado threat across all of Maryland for Monday, March 16”

governor.maryland.gov

The primary dangers include potentially damaging winds with gusts reaching 70-80 mph, large hail, and an increased risk of tornadoes that could cause significant damage to structures, downed trees and powerlines, and create widespread debris.

The storms will move across the state in a progression starting mid-morning in Western Maryland and continuing eastward throughout the day into the evening hours in Eastern counties.

'At a minimum, most residents can expect delays and hazardous driving conditions during and after the storm, with potential damage to life and property while the storm is at its peak,' officials warned, noting that winds could create dangerous debris and cause extended power outages across affected areas.

Marylanders are being urged to take immediate preparedness actions ahead of the severe weather, with officials providing comprehensive recommendations to minimize risks to families and property.

Residents should plan ahead to minimize impact on themselves and their families, establish emergency kits with supplies for at least 72 hours, and create family emergency plans that include designated shelter locations in case tornado warnings are issued.

The BayNet

'I am urging residents to prepare early, stay informed and adjust plans, including postponing travel, as conditions change,' Governor Moore advised, emphasizing the importance of staying alert and following guidance from local officials.

Utility companies are also preparing for potential outages, with Pepco ramping up staffing to respond to service disruptions and encouraging customers to prepare in advance by downloading the mobile app and assembling storm kits.

'Should an outage occur, our priority is restoring service safely and as quickly as possible,' said Pepco's senior VP and COO Rodney Oddoye.

The timeline for the severe weather event shows the storm system moving across Maryland in a predictable pattern, allowing residents to plan accordingly as conditions develop.

The powerful cold front will bring a line of thunderstorms across the area as early as Monday morning into the evening, with impacts expected to begin in Western Maryland mid-morning and progress eastward throughout the day.

WBFF

The State Emergency Operations Center activation and enhanced coordination among state agencies will provide residents with up-to-date information and support as the storm approaches and passes through the state.

'For the latest information, please visit weather.gov/lwx,' officials recommend, directing residents to official weather sources for the most accurate and timely forecasts.

This coordinated approach ensures that Marylanders have access to reliable information to make informed decisions about their safety during the severe weather event.