President Obama has declared an emergency in Maryland and ordered Federal Agencies to help State and Local governments respond to the effects of Hurricane Sandy. The President has authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency to aid in disaster relief efforts statewide. FEMA has named a coordinating officer to oversee recovery operations in the area.

The National Weather Service has announced that Sandy will bring hurricane force winds and flood producing heavy rainfall to the region on Monday. The main threats will be strong winds resulting in widespread tree damage and heavy rains which will result in extensive flooding of local creeks, streams and small rivers. Winds will increase steadily during the day on Monday with maximum wind gusts occurring between Monday through Tuesday morning. Coupled with heavy rains and high winds, Sandy will result in significant tree damage and power line damage.

The following schools are closed for Monday: Frederick County, Washington County, Carroll County, Montgomery County and Howard County in Maryland. Loudon County in Virginia and Jefferson County in West Virginia are also closed.

All Frederick County Government offices and facilities will be closed on Monday. Governor O'Malley said early voting on Monday in Maryland has been canceled due to the approach of Hurricane Sandy.

The Carroll County Government, public schools, public libraries, courts, City of Taneytown and county landfill will be closed on Monday. Winters Mill High School and Century High School will be open as shelters.

The Frederick County Circuit and District Court are closed on Monday. All Maryland State offices including the Frederick County Department of Social Services and the Frederick County Health Department will also be closed. All services offered by the Behavioral Health Services Division of the Frederick County Health Department are canceled for Monday. For more information, call 301-600-1755

All transit services in Frederick County are canceled on Monday, October 29th. The MARC train services and transit meet the MARC shuttle service will not operate. Connector route #65 meet the MARC trips arriving at the Transit Center at 5:05 a.m., 5:55 a.m., and 7 a.m. and departing the transit center at 6:58 p.m. and 8:07 p.m. will be canceled.

The Washington County Government will be open on Monday, October 29th. All employees will operate on the liberal leave policy.