In the event of significant flooding conditions, sand and sandbags will be made available for Calvert County residents to protect their property. The Calvert County Department of Public Safety urges citizens to take necessary precautionary actions to protect flood-prone property. View Calvert County Government Press Releases at www.calvertcountymd.gov/News to see if sandbags are currently available or for other safety recommendations.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared in the event of an emergency by visiting www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/BeAwarePrepare and signing up for Calvert County Alert to receive timely information about various emergency and non-emergency situations in the county. Citizens can also download the free Calvert Prepare app to their mobile device to access emergency information, alerts and preparedness guidance on the go.
Flood Advisory: This is issued when a specific weather event is expected to cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property. This is considered less severe than a warning, indicating that flooding is either occurring or imminent, but it is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning.
Flood Watch: This alert indicates that conditions are favorable for flooding to occur within the watch area. It does not mean flooding is imminent or occurring, but it is possible. A watch is typically issued in advance to give enough preparation time before the possible flooding.
Flood Warning: This is issued when flooding is imminent or already occurring. This warning signifies a more severe situation, where there is a threat to life and property. Immediate actions should be taken to protect oneself and property. It is more urgent than an advisory or a watch.
For severe thunderstorms, the National Weather Service (NWS) issues alerts to inform the public about potential or occurring dangerous weather conditions. These alerts help to prepare for severe weather, providing guidance on when to take action to protect life and property.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch: This alert means that conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. A watch does not mean that severe weather is occurring, but it is a heads-up that it could develop. The criteria for a severe thunderstorm include hail that is 1 inch in diameter or larger and/or wind gusts of 58 mph or higher. People in a watch area should keep informed and be ready to act if a warning is issued or severe weather is observed.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: This is issued when a severe thunderstorm is occurring or imminent, based on radar or a reliable spotter report. It means there is a significant threat to life and property. People in the affected area should take immediate safety precautions. The warning will specify the hazards expected, such as large hail, damaging winds, and occasionally a tornado.
Tornado Watch: Although primarily focused on tornadoes, it's relevant to mention here since severe thunderstorms can spawn tornadoes. A Tornado Watch indicates that conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and near the watch area.
Tornado Warning: Issued when a tornado is imminent or occurring, either based on radar or sighted by spotters. It means there is a serious threat to life and property to those in the path of the tornado.
Animal Safety Alerts
Whenever a weather alert is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for Calvert County, the Department of Public Safety may issue an animal safety alert advising the public of appropriate animal safety precautions, in accordance with Calvert County Code § 7-6-103: Abuse; neglect. Find more information on our animal services website.
The Maryland Insurance Administration may open a Virtual Disaster Center to help citizens with insurance-related issues or questions regarding damage from severe weather that impacts Maryland. In the Virtual Disaster Center, Maryland residents can ask general insurance questions or meet one-on-one with a Maryland Insurance Administration representative in a private breakout room. Learn more about flood risks and insurance.
Report Flooding
Download MyCoast Maryland to report flooding! The next time you see flooding, submit a picture on the MyCoast Maryland app. Your reports help us collect flood data and direct emergency response vehicles. MyCoast is a statewide database. You can also upload photos of floods from historical events to help us develop flood trends .
Report Flooding