Md. Prepares As Hurricane Sandy Makes Its Way To The Mid-Atlantic
BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- The East Coast is on alert as a powerful hurricane churns in the Atlantic Ocean. Concerns are growing that Sandy and a second storm could collide and form a super storm. In Maryland, folks are keeping an eye on the storm's path and getting ready for the worst.
Meghan McCorkell has the latest on preparations.
The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is reaching out to local leaders and preparing to activate if Sandy comes our way.
Related Story: East Coast Utilities Brace For Expected Super Storm
At Anchor Bay East Marina in Dundalk, boat owners aren't taking any chances with Hurricane Sandy.
"A lot of people are in a panic. And we're pulling them out for the storm," says Art Cox with the Bay East Marina.
The marina started lifting boats to dry land Tuesday as a precaution.
"It was just last week we talked about how we haven't had any hurricanes this year and here we are," boat owner Joe Lunny said.
On the Eastern Shore, hardware stores are seeing a flood of customers. Officials in Ocean City are warning people to be prepared.
"Right now it's sort of hope-for-the-best-but-expect-the-worst scenario," said Connor Scott of the Baltimore City Office of Emergency Management.
He warns the time to prepare for the storm is now.
"We definitely are expecting a lot of heavy rains, strong winds and potentially even some snow depending on how things work out," Scott said.
The city plans to activate its Emergency Operations Center early Sunday morning through next week.
Cameras will identify trouble spots and flooding in low-lying areas like Fells Point.
Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) is also in preparation mode.
"We have premobilized our own company and contract crews so that they're able to respond to power outages as soon as they happen, should they occur," BGE spokesperson Rachel Lighty said.
Related Story: BGE Urges Customers To Prepare For Possible Outages Ahead Of Hurricane Sandy
About 31,000 power crews are on standby and 500 more out-of-state crews are ready to move into Maryland. The power company is warning that if Sandy hits, hundreds of thousands of customers could be in the dark.
City officials say they aren't expecting evacuations but they do want people to be prepared in case the power is out for an extended time.
