As Tropical Storm Debby roared across the Mid-Atlantic, Maryland was particularly impacted by rising waters that flooded roads and downtowns after three consecutive days of rain.
Images posted on social media from North Beach, Ellicott City, and south Baltimore showed intensive flooding. Annapolis’ Dock Street, not far from the Statehouse, was flooded with waist-high water and a large cobble of trash and debris gathered in the Potomac downstream of the storm, within eyesight of D.C.’s Watergate hotel.
Maryland is ranked as the fourth-most vulnerable state to sea level rise and the state is currently sinking at a rate of a centimeter per year. Several counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore remained on flood watch until Aug. 10.
“We have seen the images of damages caused by this storm in the south, so it is important that Maryland remains vigilant as we prepare for the possible effects on our state,” said Gov. Wes Moore (D) in a statement released Aug. 8. “The Maryland Department of Emergency Management has coordinated with the National Weather Service and our state and local partners to prepare. We also want all Marylanders to remain vigilant and to be prepared — reach out to relatives, friends and neighbors to offer help to those who may be vulnerable.”
Floodwaters are not safe to be in, as they accumulate bacteria from a variety of sources including agricultural and road runoff, sewage, and more. There are also concerns of electrocution from downed power lines. Floodwater can also stall car engines and even sweep cars away.
On Aug. 9, the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) closed outdoor programs on Aug. 9 due to the tropical storm.
The commission recommended preparing an emergency kit, securing outdoor items, and listening for daily updates in the event of future high precipitation weather events.
Sandbags were made available to County residents for free at three South County locations from Aug. 8 to Aug. 10 in an effort to fight the rising waters.
How Climate Change is Affecting the DMV Area
Increased precipitation and frequency of tropical storms is one consequence of climate change that will impact this region for years to come, alongside extreme heat. Last year was the hottest year on record and 2024 is poised to break this record.
July saw a record heat wave afflict the DMV region. Several Marylanders, including at least four Prince Georgians, have died from heat so far this year and 43 workers died in heat-related episodes at work in 2022, a rise from 36 in 2021.
Baltimore DPW worker Ronald Silver II unfortunately passed away on Aug. 2 from heat, and the City held mandatory heat safety trainings on Aug. 6. Laurel’s DPW workers are now alleging they aren’t being provided water and are instead given a large cooler to store beverages they individually purchase.
“This should be a wake-up call to the leadership of the Department of Public Works that changes need to be put in place as soon as possible and that our members’ health and safety needs to be taken seriously,” wrote American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Maryland Council 3 in a social media post following his tragic passing.
The Biden-Harris administration is implementing new rules to protect workers from excessive heat without adequate safeguards. In July, the administration proposed access for drinking water and rest areas when temperatures exceed 80 degrees and mandatory 15-minute breaks every two hours when the temperature exceeds 90 degrees. Currently, only five states have heat safety laws in place and the president’s new rules may protect over 35 million workers across a variety of industries at time of implementation.
Maryland’s Department of Labor is holding a hearing on Aug. 16 to implement new heat safety rules and it is likely they will be implemented into law by the early fall.
These rules would require shaded areas be provided, give workers at least 10 minutes of rest every two hours once the temperature exceeds 80 degrees, and require that heat safety plans be in writing. These rules would apply to all public and private employers once implemented.
Maryland Democratic leaders including Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Reps. Steny Hoyer and Glenn Ivey have also secured flooding mitigation and stormwater management funds from the federal government, particularly to protect the Port Towns region from flooding.
“Together we can positively impact our community. From sewer lines to pollution and flood mitigation to promoting public transportation and access while minimizing wastewater run-off, our federal team along with our community and business stakeholders all have important roles to play to ensure a safer, more equitable and green Prince George’s County and region,” said Congressman Glenn Ivey in a statement on Aug. 2. “[The] announcement of community project funds is a good step in the right direction towards those goals.”
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