REISTERSTOWN, MD (November 9, 2020) — Starting November 10th, the National Weather Service (NWS) Baltimore/Washington Weather Forecast Office will broaden its operational scope, taking over weather forecasts and alerts for Cecil and Garrett counties in Maryland. This significant change is set to enhance weather services across the state by consolidating forecast responsibilities along the critical I-95 corridor and improving coordination with state emergency management agencies.
Previously, Cecil County’s weather information was managed by the NWS Philadelphia office, while Garrett County fell under the purview of the NWS Pittsburgh office. This transition to the NWS Baltimore/Washington office means a unified approach for all Maryland counties situated west of the Chesapeake Bay, including Cecil County. The NWS Philadelphia and NWS Wakefield offices will continue their services for other Maryland counties, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the entire state.
Russ Strickland, Executive Director of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), emphasized the strategic advantage of this realignment. “The I-95 corridor is a pivotal weather boundary in Maryland. Centralizing its forecast operations under the National Weather Service Baltimore/washington office will significantly ease coordination during weather events,” Strickland stated. He also acknowledged the existing strong partnerships with all NWS offices serving Maryland, anticipating further improvements in joint operations and communication with the consolidation. This streamlining will simplify MEMA’s coordination efforts, especially during major weather events, reducing the number of NWS offices involved in statewide briefings.
James E. Lee, Meteorologist-in-Charge at NWS Baltimore/Washington, highlighted the benefits for Maryland residents and emergency responders. “This transfer allows the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington to better serve our Maryland partners, providing more cohesive and efficient forecast and warning services from the Chesapeake Bay westward to Garrett County,” Lee explained.
Garrett County’s historical assignment to the NWS Pittsburgh office was largely due to superior radar coverage in the 1990s. However, advancements in weather technology now facilitate seamless data sharing among NWS offices. The National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington is now fully equipped to deliver precise forecasts and warnings for western Maryland, utilizing a network of NWS doppler radars and local weather observations.
John Frank, Director of Garrett County Emergency Management, pointed out the practical benefits for his region. “For Garrett County, severe winter weather is a primary concern in our Hazard Mitigation and Emergency Response plans. Faster weather alerts through this NWS station consolidation will enhance situational awareness, benefiting our volunteers, staff, and the community we serve.”
The inclusion of Cecil County under the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington umbrella also addresses flood risk management along the Susquehanna River. By having both shores of the river under the same forecast office, the consistency of flood warnings and forecasts will be improved during shared weather events.
Richard K. Brooks III, Director of the Cecil County Department of Emergency Services, underscored the broader impact of this change. “Moving to the Baltimore/Washington Weather Forecast Office will streamline forecasts and enhance weather products across Maryland, particularly along the vital I-95 corridor. This consolidation will foster a unified weather understanding along this critical transportation artery in Maryland.”
To support this service expansion, the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington office is offering free online SKYWARN weather spotter training sessions for residents of Garrett and Cecil counties. These classes are scheduled for November 17th for Garrett County and November 18th for Cecil County, both from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. More details and registration can be found on the Baltimore/Washington Forecast Office news page.
For additional information regarding this transition, please visit the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington Forecast Office website.
CONTACT:
Jorge Castillo, [email protected], 443-381-3518
Ed McDonough, [email protected], 410-446-3333
24/7 line: 877-636-2872
NWS BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON CONTACT:
Chris Strong, [email protected]
