Weather

Sandbag Distribution Available Today for Charles County Residents

Sandbag Distribution Available Today for Charles County Residents

Due to the National Weather Service forecast, the Charles County Department of Emergency Services is providing sandbags to county residents who need them to protect property. Sandbags and sand will be available today, Friday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents can pick up empty sandbags at the Department of Emergency Services...
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Cooling Centers Available in Charles County During Summer Months

Cooling Centers Available in Charles County During Summer Months

As the summer heat begins, it is important to stay cool and hydrated. When the National Weather issues a Heat Advisory, Excessive Heat Watch, Excessive Heat Warning, or Air Quality Alert of Orange or greater, the following public buildings are open during regular business hours for use by residents: Capital Clubhouse (Monday through Sunday, 9...
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Cooling Centers Available in Calvert County During Sweltering Temperatures

Cooling Centers Available in Calvert County During Sweltering Temperatures

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for later this week as temperatures are expected to exceed 105 degrees. The Calvert County Department of Public Safety Division of Emergency Management reminds citizens there are several places in Calvert County to visit if they need to cool off. The county’s community centers...
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As Temperatures Soar Cooling Centers will be Available in St. Mary’s County

As Temperatures Soar Cooling Centers will be Available in St. Mary’s County

With temperatures expected to climb into the mid 90’s and heat indexes possibly exceeding 105 degrees across the region Wednesday and Thursday, the Department of Emergency Services and Technology is encouraging citizens to prepare. Drink fluid daily to prevent dehydration. Water, fruit juices and juice drinks are the best choices. Avoid alcohol and caffeine...
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Drivers Urged to Use Caution for Potential Hazardous Weather this Afternoon

Drivers Urged to Use Caution for Potential Hazardous Weather this Afternoon

The National Weather Service warned that this week’s excessive heat could lead to isolated storms that could cause flash flooding in the Baltimore-Washington region this afternoon and into the evening. These storms, which many areas experienced Monday afternoon, develop rapidly and can produce, locally, significant rain fall.  Additionally, severe weather could cause fallen trees/limbs,...
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Keep Pets Safe During Sweltering Temperatures

Keep Pets Safe During Sweltering Temperatures

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for today with temperatures in the mid to upper 90s and a heat index value of around 105 degrees. The Calvert County Department of Public Safety Division of Animal Control reminds citizens to take steps to keep their pets safe when temperatures are soaring. “Our...
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Flash Flood Warning Issued for Southern Maryland

Flash Flood Warning Issued for Southern Maryland

The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a Flash Flood Warning for St. Mary’s County, Calvert County and Central Charles County. Until 1100 AM EDT At 8:02 a.m., Doppler radar indicated heavy rain across the area. Up to two inches of rain have already fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of up to two...
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Charles County Cooling Centers Available During Summer Months

Charles County Cooling Centers Available During Summer Months

As the summer heat begins, it is important to stay cool and hydrated. When the National Weather issues a Heat Advisory, Excessive Heat Watch, Excessive Heat Warning, or Air Quality Alert of Orange or greater, the following public buildings are open during regular business hours for use by residents: Capital Clubhouse (Monday through Sunday,...
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2017 Hurricane Season Begins This Week

2017 Hurricane Season Begins This Week

The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and continues until November 30. The St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services & Technology, Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) have once again teamed up to promote citizen awareness and preparedness. Most hurricane-like weather is seen between mid-August and late...
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Hurricane Season Begins June 1: Are You Prepared?

Hurricane Season Begins June 1: Are You Prepared?

Maryland Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 7-13 this year. Prepare for the Atlantic hurricane season that begins June 1 and lasts until Nov. 30.  Hurricane hazards come in many forms: storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding.  Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane. Take the time today to ensure...
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National Weather Service Issues Hazardous Weather Outlook

National Weather Service Issues Hazardous Weather Outlook

National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC, issued the following: There is an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms across the entire area late this afternoon into this evening. Scattered severe thunderstorms with damaging winds, large hail and a few tornadoes are possible. The best chance for severe weather is between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m....
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Spring Marks the Start of Tornado Season

Spring Marks the Start of Tornado Season

Now that tornado season is here, SMNEWSNET.com encourages residents to be prepared.  Tornadoes are violent by nature and capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees and hurling objects like deadly missiles.  A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that can reach 300...
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UPDATE: SMECO Restores Power in Wake of Storm

UPDATE: SMECO Restores Power in Wake of Storm

UPDATE 3/15/2017 @ 6:00 p.m.: Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) has been working to restore service to customers affected by the storm that began causing outages early Tuesday morning. “SMECO had about 1,800 customers without power last night and that number was whittled down to 450 at 11 a.m. today. Crews have been working in...
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Charles County Public Schools Opening Two-Hours Late Wednesday, March 15

Charles County Public Schools Opening Two-Hours Late Wednesday, March 15

Due to inclement weather conditions, all Charles County public schools are opening two-hours late Wednesday, March 15, 2017. There is a code two, which is a two-hour delay, for staff who follow the code system. The morning prekindergarten program is canceled. Visit the CCPS website, ccboe.com, or call the 24-hour information line at 301-934-7410/301-932-6656...
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Wind Advisory in Effect for all of Southern Maryland

Wind Advisory in Effect for all of Southern Maryland

The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington has issued a Wind Advisory, which is in effect from 8:00 am this morning to 6:00 p.m., this evening (3/15/2017). TIMING: After daybreak through this afternoon. Highest gusts expected late this morning into this afternoon. WINDS: Northwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts around 45 to 50...
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Governor Larry Hogan Signs Executive Order Declaring State of Emergency in Maryland in Anticipation of Snowstorm

Governor Larry Hogan Signs Executive Order Declaring State of Emergency in Maryland in Anticipation of Snowstorm

Governor Larry Hogan today signed an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency in Maryland, beginning Monday, March 13 at 9:00 PM, in response to the winter storm which could bring significant amounts of snow to areas across the state. “Our state is taking every precaution and coordinating all available resources to respond to...
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Maryland State Police has Lifted the Snow Emergency Plan for Charles County

Maryland State Police has Lifted the Snow Emergency Plan for Charles County

UPDATE 3/14/2017: The Maryland State Police has lifted the Snow Emergency Plan for Charles County effective at 1100 hours on March 14, 2017. Motorists are encouraged to continue to use caution while driving as they may quickly encounter different road conditions throughout Charles County. Drivers can view the latest road conditions on SHA’s website...
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Maryland State Police Troopers Being Reassigned to Storm Duty

Maryland State Police Troopers Being Reassigned to Storm Duty

State troopers not normally assigned to road patrol are being reassigned today to storm duty as the Maryland State Police joins other state agencies in preparation for the pending storm. Troopers from the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, Automotive Safety Enforcement Division and Special Operations Division are being assigned to State Police barracks across Maryland...
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Urgent Winter Weather Advisory Issued

Urgent Winter Weather Advisory Issued

The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for snow and sleet, which is in effect until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday. PRECIPITATION TYPE: Snow mixed with sleet. ACCUMULATIONS: Snow and sleet accumulation of 1 to 3 inches. TIMING: Snow will overspread the area this evening and persist through Tuesday morning....
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National Weather Service Confirms Tornado in Charles County

National Weather Service Confirms Tornado in Charles County

The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington DC has confirmed a tornado near La Plata and Waldorf in Charles County MD on February 25 2017. National Weather Service personnel completed a ground survey along with radar analysis and concluded a tornado that peaked at low-end EF1 intensity with winds of 90 MPH produced damage...
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Weather Related Closings, Delays, and Information for Monday, January 9, 2017

Weather Related Closings, Delays, and Information for Monday, January 9, 2017

Updated Monday, January 9, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. St. Mary’s County: St. Mary’s County Public Schools: St. Mary’s County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, January 9, 2017 with a Code 2 for employees. St. Mary’s County Government: All St. Mary’s County Administrative Offices will open on time. Liberal leave for employees. All...
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Snow Emergency Plan Lifted for St. Mary’s County

Snow Emergency Plan Lifted for St. Mary’s County

The Maryland State Police has lifted the Snow Emergency Plan for St. Mary’s County effective at 6:00 pm on Sunday, January 8, 2017. Motorists are encouraged to continue to use caution while driving as they may quickly encounter different road conditions throughout St. Mary’s County.
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Snow Emergency Plan Lifted for Charles County

Snow Emergency Plan Lifted for Charles County

The Maryland State Police has lifted the Snow Emergency Plan for Charles County effective at 4:30 pm on Sunday, January 8, 2017. Motorists are encouraged to continue to use caution while driving as they may quickly encounter different road conditions throughout Charles County.
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Charles County Government Operational Status for January 8, 2017

Charles County Government Operational Status for January 8, 2017

The following facilities and/or services for Recreation, Tourism, and Parks will be closed or canceled on Sunday, Jan. 8. Lackey, Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center, and North Point High Indoor pools will be closed. All Community Centers and Port Tobacco Recreation Center will be closed. Scheduled basketball and indoor soccer games for Sunday have...
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St. Mary’s County Government Operational Status for January 8, 2017

St. Mary’s County Government Operational Status for January 8, 2017

Due to the winter storm, the following schedule changes are in effect: All Recreation and Parks programs and activities are cancelled and all facilities are closed. All youth basketball games scheduled in St. Mary’s County public schools for Saturday through Sunday have been cancelled. The St. Mary’s Transit System (STS) will resume operations at...
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