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Preps Underway As Hurricane Joaquin Eyes East Coast

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--State emergency officials are constantly monitoring the storms paths as residents and business owners along the water are nervous about what Joaquin will bring.

WJZ's Meghan McCorkell has the latest.

As Joaquin barrels down on the Bahamas all eyes in Maryland are on the storm as the state prepares for a possible hit.

Governor Larry Hogan has declared a State of Emergency ahead of the storm.

"We're hoping for the best. We're preparing for the worst," said Governor Hogan.

In Bowleys Quarters, memories of Hurricane Isabel still haunt residents. More than a decade later post-hurricane construction continues.

Now-- this impending storm has homeowners worried.

"They've stopped by, they've asked questions, they are concerned," said Capt. John Heinz, Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire Co.

During Isabel, more than 200 homes here in Bowleys Quarters were destroyed by the storm. Even the firehouse flooded out.

The volunteer fire department rescued hundreds of people from their homes during that storm. They're hoping that's not the case with Joaquin.

The Baltimore County swift water rescue team is not taking any chances, prepping for possible water rescues.

"Our biggest concern now is inland flooding, that's roadways and streams and rivers from the heavy rain," said Asst. Chief Mark Hubbard, Baltimore County Fire.

As first responders prepare to put boats in the water others are taking their boats out.

At the Anchor Bay Marina in Essex, dozens of boats are being pulled from the water as fears of a major storm surge loom.

Boat owner Mike Dodd says it's better to be safe than sorry.

Now, they'll watch and wait to see what mother nature has in store.

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation is handing out sandbag to those who need them. For more information CLICK HERE.

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency is expected to activate its emergency operations center on Friday.

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