BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Baltimore officials are continuing to monitor severe weather conditions across the region after the National Weather Service lifted a tornado watch and severe storm warning earlier Monday, though a wind advisory remains in effect for the city.
Mayor Brandon Scott provided an update Monday evening, announcing that the city’s Emergency Operations Center has been demobilized.
However, agencies will continue coordinating across departments to monitor conditions and respond to any impacts from the ongoing storm system.
As of 3:30 p.m., the National Weather Service ended the tornado watch and severe storm warning that had been issued for parts of Maryland and Virginia, including Baltimore City.
Forecasts still indicate the possibility of heavy rain, thunderstorms and wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour through the evening.
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City officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
Several city services and facilities closed early Monday in anticipation of severe weather.
The Department of Public Works closed the Quarantine Road Landfill, the Northwest Transfer Station and all residential recycling centers at 1 p.m.
Evening street sweeping routes were also canceled due to the forecasted storm conditions.
All branches of the Enoch Pratt Free Library closed early and suspended programming for the day.
Several regional recreation centers — including Rita Church Community Center, Middle Branch Fitness & Wellness, C.C. Jackson Recreation Center and Cahill Fitness & Wellness Center — also closed early, and Baltimore City Recreation & Parks canceled all permitted events and activities scheduled after 1 p.m.
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Despite the weather concerns, the Department of Public Works said trash and recycling collections will continue on their normal Tuesday through Friday schedule.
Morning street sweeping routes will still operate, though evening routes remain canceled.
In addition to the storm threat, the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services declared a Code Purple from 10 a.m. Monday through 9 a.m. Wednesday due to forecasted temperatures at or below 32 degrees.
Outreach teams have been working since Monday morning to identify individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness and offer shelter, transportation and other services.
Several facilities will operate as warming centers during the Code Purple activation, including My Sister’s Place Women’s Center and the Weinberg Housing & Resource Center.
Residents who need shelter — or who see someone experiencing homelessness — are encouraged to call 443-984-9540 before 9 p.m.
Outreach services can also be requested online or through Baltimore’s 311 system.
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Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) said it is increasing staffing to respond quickly to potential power outages caused by strong winds and falling tree limbs.
Officials reminded residents to stay away from downed power lines and assume any wire on the ground is energized.
Outages can be reported online, through BGE’s mobile app, by texting 69243, or by calling 877-778-2222.
City officials are encouraging residents to prepare for potential severe weather by assembling emergency kits that include flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, a battery-powered radio and necessary medications.
Residents should also secure outdoor furniture and loose items that could become airborne in strong winds and avoid driving through flooded roadways.
Officials say residents should immediately move to the lowest level of their homes, preferably an interior room away from windows, if a tornado warning or dangerous winds develop.
Residents can sign up for emergency notifications through BMOREAlert by texting BMOREAlert to 888777.
Non-emergency storm-related issues such as downed trees, flooded streets or debris blocking roadways can be reported through the Balt311 app, online portal, or by calling 311.
Life-threatening emergencies should be reported by calling 911.
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