Erin continues to push westward in the Atlantic Ocean as it strengthened Friday morning into the first hurricane of the 2025 season.|| Closings | Weather Advisories | Radar | Forecast | Email Alerts | Send us your pics ||Get severe weather alerts from the WBAL-TV appNATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER ADVISORY — 11 a.m. | Aug. 15Hurricane Erin: Category 1Location: 18.2 N 56.1 W, about 460 miles east of the Northern Leeward IslandsMaximum sustained winds: 75 mphMovement: WNW at 18 mphMinimum central pressure: 996 mbHurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 115 miles mainly to the north of the center.» HURRICANE PREPARATION: How to prepare for hurricanesErin reached hurricane status Friday morning as it continued to move westward. It’s expected to pass north of the Leeward Islands.For Maryland, Erin will remain a distant hurricane as its track stays offshore.However, it will still pose several hazards, including rough surf and dangerous rip currents along the Atlantic-facing beaches of the Delmarva Peninsula.If you have one more summer trip planned to the beach, make sure you pay close attention to the latest forecasts on this storm!Download the WBAL-TV app NOW and turn on push alerts to be aware of severe weather warnings, listen to NOAA Weather Radio, and watch WBAL-TV 11 when impending severe weather develops.@wbaltv11 | @TTasselWBAL | @AvaWBAL | @TonyPannWBAL | @DalenciaWBAL | @AlenaLeeWX ALERTS: Severe weather alerts from the WBAL-TV app: step-by-step guideCLOSINGS: See if schools, businesses or organizations have closed or delayedRADAR: Track the storm on WBAL-TV’s interactive radarROADS: Check for crashes and backups with our interactive traffic mapTORNADO SURVIVAL: 5 things you need to do nowLATEST HURRICANE CONELATEST HURRICANE MODELS GULF SATELLITEMARYLAND’S WEATHER RADARMARYLAND’S 7-DAY FORECASTWBAL-TV 11’s Interactive RadarApp users tap here for radar.Stay informed, understand the terminologyTropical storms and hurricanes each have two descriptors, a watch and a warning. Watches and warnings are issued in advance of the onset of tropical storm force winds (39-73 mph).WATCH: This means tropical storm or hurricane conditions are possible in the “watch area.” A watch is issued up to 48 hours in advance of the onset of tropical storm-force winds.WARNING: This means tropical storm or hurricane conditions are expected in the “warning area.” A warning is issued up to 36 hours in advance of the onset of tropical storm-force winds.Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained surface winds of 38 mph or less.Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds ranging from 39-73 mph.Category 1 hurricane: Sustained winds of 74-95 mph — very dangerous winds will produce some damage.Category 2 hurricane: 96-110 mph winds — Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.Category 3 major hurricane: 111-129 mph winds — Devastating damage will occur. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.Category 4 major hurricane: 130-156 mph winds — Catastrophic damage will occur. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.Category 5 major hurricane: 157 mph winds or higher — Catastrophic damage will occur. A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. Hurricane season can be a daunting time of year if you live in a hurricane-prone region like the Mid-Atlantic. A single hurricane making landfall can leave a trail of devastation, especially in the most flood-prone areas of Baltimore.While it’s rare for an actual hurricane (that is, a storm with sustained winds above 74 mph) to make landfall in Baltimore, it’s not uncommon for the remnants of one to bring storm surges, heavy rainfall and high winds, which can be plenty destructive. (The most recent hurricanes to cause major damage in Maryland were Irene in 2011 and Isabel in 2003.) Low-lying areas of the city — such as Mount Washington, Clipper Mill and Fells Point — are particularly vulnerable to flooding.How to prepare for hurricanesHere are some of the most important hurricane preparedness recommendations for homeowners in Florida and in other hurricane-prone states.Know your zoneThe Maryland Department of Emergency Management makes it easy to know if you need to evacuate during a hurricane or tropical storm. Visit KnowYourZoneMD.com and enter your address to find out what evacuation zone you live in (they’re color-coded and labeled either A, B or C).During severe weather, you’ll then receive instructions on whether to evacuate or shelter in place. The highest risk areas will be evacuated first, followed by lower risk zones, if needed. (Note that even if you don’t live in one of the three official zones, you might still need to evacuate, depending on the weather situation.)Know your evacuation routeBefore or during a hurricane, you might be ordered to evacuate your home. Find out the locations of your closest shelters and figure out how you will get to them. While Baltimore does not designate specific evacuation routes, you can plan ahead by looking up alternative driving routes. If possible, keep a map in your vehicle so you can redirect yourself on the fly, if necessary.Store and collect suppliesMake sure you have enough food, water and medical supplies for each family member to last at least two or three days. Your hurricane supply kit should also be stocked with a radio, extra batteries, a flashlight, space blankets and important documents.Don’t forget your petsYour pets are important members of the family, and they need to be taken care of during an emergency. Learn which shelters do and don’t accept pets. Or, you can consider a pet-friendly hotel that’s outside the evacuation zone.Download the FEMA mobile appFEMA’s mobile app has many disaster resources, including safety tips and weather alerts. It also has a checklist of emergency supplies and shelters and will keep you updated with real-time alerts from the National Weather Service.Protect your homeOnce you’ve made your emergency plan and assembled your emergency kit, it’s time to prepare your home. While this list can feel overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be done all at once. Instead, start working your way through the list now, and check off items once completed.Landscaping — Replace gravel or stone garden beds with lighter material that will not damage your property in high winds.Trees and shrubs — Remove any weak, dying, or damaged trees and branches which could break off in high winds and crash into your house.Windows — Consider installing storm shutters to prevent window glass from breaking. Plywood sheets can also be used in a pinch.Doors — Think about swapping your current doors for hurricane-proof doors with three hinges and a deadbolt. Ideally, glass sliding doors should be made of tempered glass and protected by storm shutters or plywood.Garage doors — Ensure your garage or roller doors are in good working condition and locked securely.Vents and wall openings — Fill any vents or exterior holes with high-quality urethane-based caulk to prevent water penetration.Boats — If you keep a boat in your yard, anchor your boat securely to a tree or the ground before the storm arrives.Insurance coverageIf you live in an area that experiences hurricanes and tropical storms, it’s important to have the right insurance coverage. Tap here to see some types of insurance that will cover your home and your personal belongings in the event of a major storm.
BALTIMORE —
Erin continues to push westward in the Atlantic Ocean as it strengthened Friday morning into the first hurricane of the 2025 season.
|| Closings | Weather Advisories | Radar | Forecast | Email Alerts | Send us your pics ||
NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER ADVISORY — 11 a.m. | Aug. 15
Hurricane Erin: Category 1Location: 18.2 N 56.1 W, about 460 miles east of the Northern Leeward IslandsMaximum sustained winds: 75 mphMovement: WNW at 18 mphMinimum central pressure: 996 mb
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 115 miles mainly to the north of the center.
» HURRICANE PREPARATION: How to prepare for hurricanes
Erin reached hurricane status Friday morning as it continued to move westward. It’s expected to pass north of the Leeward Islands.
For Maryland, Erin will remain a distant hurricane as its track stays offshore.
However, it will still pose several hazards, including rough surf and dangerous rip currents along the Atlantic-facing beaches of the Delmarva Peninsula.
If you have one more summer trip planned to the beach, make sure you pay close attention to the latest forecasts on this storm!
Download the WBAL-TV app NOW and turn on push alerts to be aware of severe weather warnings, listen to NOAA Weather Radio, and watch WBAL-TV 11 when impending severe weather develops.
@wbaltv11 | @TTasselWBAL | @AvaWBAL | @TonyPannWBAL | @DalenciaWBAL | @AlenaLeeWX
LATEST HURRICANE CONE
LATEST HURRICANE MODELS
GULF SATELLITE
MARYLAND’S WEATHER RADAR
MARYLAND’S 7-DAY FORECAST
WBAL-TV 11’s Interactive Radar
Stay informed, understand the terminology
Tropical storms and hurricanes each have two descriptors, a watch and a warning. Watches and warnings are issued in advance of the onset of tropical storm force winds (39-73 mph).
WATCH: This means tropical storm or hurricane conditions are possible in the “watch area.” A watch is issued up to 48 hours in advance of the onset of tropical storm-force winds.
WARNING: This means tropical storm or hurricane conditions are expected in the “warning area.” A warning is issued up to 36 hours in advance of the onset of tropical storm-force winds.
Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained surface winds of 38 mph or less.
Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds ranging from 39-73 mph.
Category 1 hurricane: Sustained winds of 74-95 mph — very dangerous winds will produce some damage.
Category 2 hurricane: 96-110 mph winds — Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.
Category 3 major hurricane: 111-129 mph winds — Devastating damage will occur. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
Category 4 major hurricane: 130-156 mph winds — Catastrophic damage will occur. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Category 5 major hurricane: 157 mph winds or higher — Catastrophic damage will occur. A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Hurricane season can be a daunting time of year if you live in a hurricane-prone region like the Mid-Atlantic. A single hurricane making landfall can leave a trail of devastation, especially in the most flood-prone areas of Baltimore.
While it’s rare for an actual hurricane (that is, a storm with sustained winds above 74 mph) to make landfall in Baltimore, it’s not uncommon for the remnants of one to bring storm surges, heavy rainfall and high winds, which can be plenty destructive. (The most recent hurricanes to cause major damage in Maryland were Irene in 2011 and Isabel in 2003.) Low-lying areas of the city — such as Mount Washington, Clipper Mill and Fells Point — are particularly vulnerable to flooding.
How to prepare for hurricanes
Here are some of the most important hurricane preparedness recommendations for homeowners in Florida and in other hurricane-prone states.
Know your zone
The Maryland Department of Emergency Management makes it easy to know if you need to evacuate during a hurricane or tropical storm. Visit KnowYourZoneMD.com and enter your address to find out what evacuation zone you live in (they’re color-coded and labeled either A, B or C).
Maryland Department of Emergency Management
The Maryland Department of Emergency Management has an interactive map on its website for hurricane evacuation zones.
During severe weather, you’ll then receive instructions on whether to evacuate or shelter in place. The highest risk areas will be evacuated first, followed by lower risk zones, if needed. (Note that even if you don’t live in one of the three official zones, you might still need to evacuate, depending on the weather situation.)
Know your evacuation route
Before or during a hurricane, you might be ordered to evacuate your home. Find out the locations of your closest shelters and figure out how you will get to them. While Baltimore does not designate specific evacuation routes, you can plan ahead by looking up alternative driving routes. If possible, keep a map in your vehicle so you can redirect yourself on the fly, if necessary.
Store and collect supplies
Make sure you have enough food, water and medical supplies for each family member to last at least two or three days. Your hurricane supply kit should also be stocked with a radio, extra batteries, a flashlight, space blankets and important documents.
Don’t forget your pets
Your pets are important members of the family, and they need to be taken care of during an emergency. Learn which shelters do and don’t accept pets. Or, you can consider a pet-friendly hotel that’s outside the evacuation zone.
Download the FEMA mobile app
FEMA’s mobile app has many disaster resources, including safety tips and weather alerts. It also has a checklist of emergency supplies and shelters and will keep you updated with real-time alerts from the National Weather Service.
Protect your home
Once you’ve made your emergency plan and assembled your emergency kit, it’s time to prepare your home. While this list can feel overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be done all at once. Instead, start working your way through the list now, and check off items once completed.
Landscaping — Replace gravel or stone garden beds with lighter material that will not damage your property in high winds.Trees and shrubs — Remove any weak, dying, or damaged trees and branches which could break off in high winds and crash into your house.Windows — Consider installing storm shutters to prevent window glass from breaking. Plywood sheets can also be used in a pinch.Doors — Think about swapping your current doors for hurricane-proof doors with three hinges and a deadbolt. Ideally, glass sliding doors should be made of tempered glass and protected by storm shutters or plywood.Garage doors — Ensure your garage or roller doors are in good working condition and locked securely.Vents and wall openings — Fill any vents or exterior holes with high-quality urethane-based caulk to prevent water penetration.Boats — If you keep a boat in your yard, anchor your boat securely to a tree or the ground before the storm arrives.Insurance coverage
If you live in an area that experiences hurricanes and tropical storms, it’s important to have the right insurance coverage. Tap here to see some types of insurance that will cover your home and your personal belongings in the event of a major storm.