Flash flood watches were posted for all of Maryland except the westernmost counties. The tropical storm wind warnings were canceled north and west of the Interstate 95 corridor but remained in force late yesterday to the south and east. Forecasters expect winds today at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport to increase to 32 to 37 mph, with higher gusts.
The Maryland Transportation Authority said yesterday it had no "immediate" plans to close any bridges because of the storm. But wind warnings, restrictions or closures could be imposed as conditions warrant, officials said.
The biggest threat to the region might be rain. The National Weather Service said 4 to 7 inches were possible along the storm's path. Baltimore was expected to receive 3 to 4 inches today, and another three-quarters of an inch tonight before the fast-moving storm shifts northeast.
Gov. Martin O'Malley yesterday expanded his earlier "Pre-Disaster Declaration of Emergency" to include all jurisdictions across the state.
The declaration allows the state to pre-deploy National Guard troops, seek federal aid and reimbursement and ask other states for help through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
The region could use some rain. Less than an inch and a half has fallen at BWI since Aug. 1. But 4 inches in less than 24 hours means most of what falls will run off quickly. Stream volumes have been low, so main-stem river flooding was not expected. But small-stream and urban flooding are likely today as tropical downpours overwhelm storm drains and smaller creeks.
Anne Arundel County authorities were monitoring low-lying areas that have suffered severe flooding in the past, such as Bayside in Pasadena and Shadyside and Deale in the southern area of the county.
In Annapolis, officials planned to distribute some 700 sandbags to residents and business owners. They were available at the 2nd Street pumping station in Eastport and outside the city harbor master's office in downtown Annapolis at the City Dock.
"Our priorities are to have our personnel ready for the aftermath and to keep the public informed," said County Executive John R. Leopold. "Storms like this are very unpredictable, so we are proceeding with the utmost caution."
In Baltimore County, residents of the bayside community of Bowleys Quarters - hard-hit by Tropical Storm Isabel's storm surge in 2003 - said rebuilding their battered homes on 12-foot stilts after the cleanup made them feel more confident about facing Hanna.
