Washington County hurricane guide¶

The Washington County Office of Emergency Management, in Williamsport, issues alerts through the county's emergency notification system and monitors river and creek levels on the Potomac, Antietam, Conococheague, and Licking Creek. Washington County is inland in western Maryland, so the main hurricane risks are heavy rain, flash flooding, and wind. The county says hurricanes are not just a coastal problem.

What to know in Washington County¶

• The county's Flooding page and Extreme Weather Events page link to NOAA river gauges for the Potomac at Paw Paw, Hancock, and Shepherdstown, Antietam Creek, Conococheague Creek, and Licking Creek.

Emergency and information numbers¶

Official alerts and information¶

• Washington County emergency notification system (WashCoMD Alerts): Free alerts by text or call, through the Smart911 sign up form or app. Sign up before a storm. Website.
• Washington County Hurricanes: The county's hurricane guidance. Website.
• Washington County Extreme Weather Events: Current weather status and links to NOAA river gauges on the Potomac and local creeks. Website.

Cities and towns¶

Each city has its own services and some have their own alerts. The county's evacuation zones, evacuation centers, and emergency alerts cover everyone, in every city and in unincorporated areas.

Related guides¶

• Should I evacuate?
• What to expect at a hurricane shelter
• Hurricane supply list
• After a hurricane: the first 24 hours
• Insurance claims and disaster aid

Sources¶

Checked on October 8, 2026. If a number or address here is wrong, please tell us at Keith@KMyers.me.

• https://www.washco-md.net/emergency-management/extreme-weather-events/
• https://www.washco-md.net/emergency-management/washcomdalerts/
• https://www.washco-md.net/emergency-management/emerg-prep/hurricanes/