Sandy: She’s Late and She’s Angry

The eye of Hurricane Sandy made landfall across southern New Jersey, south of Atlantic City. However due to the scope and size of the storm St. Mary’s County will continue to be directly impact for many hours to come.

Heavy rains and high winds will continue to buffet the peninsula throughout the overnight hours and into Tuesday afternoon as well as flooded roadways, power outages and downed trees. A flood warning is in effect until 12:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Governor O’Malley continues to urge citizens to refrain from unnecessary travel until the storm has passed. The State Highway Administration has placed a phase two restriction at the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge. Only cars and loaded trucks are allowed to cross the span until the winds have subsided.

The two county evacuation shelters at Great Mills High School and Leonardtown High School continue to operate and are fully staffed. Citizens are reminded to bring any toiletries and medications in quantities to last for several days. Pets are welcome at both shelters; however Animal Control staff will relocate them to the county fairgrounds where they will be cared for until the storm has ended.

St. Mary’s County Government offices will be closed on Tuesday, October 30 for all non-essential employees. The Board of County Commissioners meeting has been rescheduled for Friday, November 2 at 9 a.m. The Governor has suspended early voting statewide on Tuesday.

The STS Transit System, six Convenience Centers and St. Andrews Landfill operations are suspended for Tuesday, October 30.

All St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks facilities and programs will be closed on Tuesday.

St. Mary’s County Circuit Court and District Court will be closed Tuesday.

All Senior Activity Centers will be closed Tuesday and there will be no senior programs. There will be no home delivered or congregant meals served.

All three county library branches will be closed Tuesday.

All state government offices will be closed Tuesday, including the Department of Social Services (DSS)

The College of Southern Maryland and St. Mary’s College of Maryland are closed Tuesday.

Naval Air Station Patuxent River is open for mission Essential Personnel only. Tenants can call 301-342-2273 for limited information concerning the installation. Individuals unsure about their MEP status should contact their supervisor. Also, gates 1 and 3 are closed.

For more information, please call the Emergency Information Line at 301-475-4911. County Government continues to monitor Sandy’s progress and will provide updates as they become available.

Additional preparedness information can be obtained by visiting the following web sites:

prepare.stmarysmd.com
www.Mema.maryland.gov/prepared
www.ready.gov/hurricanes
www.hurricanes.gov

Source: St. Mary’s County Public Information Office