As Hurricane Dorian makes landfall in the Carolinas, significant portions of Maryland's coastline are under a tropical storm watch.

Hurricane Dorian has strengthened and is once again a Category 3 hurricane as it approaches South and North Carolina. With a major hurricane like this, even the outer bands will be significant.

Courtesy of The Weather Channel

According to The National Hurricane Center, coastal Maryland may feel the effects of the powerful storm as tropical storm-force winds, storm surge, and rainfall. The bulk of the storm will be buffered by the initial landfall on Thursday; Maryland residents should expect to see a local impact late on Thursday night, going into Friday. Hurricane Dorian is currently forecasted to go out to sea by the early morning hours on Saturday.

Courtesy of The National Hurricane Center

An official tropical storm watch means that an area may see tropical storm-level effects within the next 48 hours. This includes wind speed in the range of 39 to 73 miles per hour. Rainfall estimates for the coastal Maryland region are currently estimated at 1 to 6 inches of rainfall as the storm passes through. 

You can prepare for this storm by heeding the warnings and plans sent out by your local municipalities. If you're in a flood-prone area, make sure your valuables are well out of range of water damage. Be ready in case the power goes out, and secure any loose lawn furniture, planters, and exterior home decor that can be tossed around in a storm. Keep an eye on your elderly neighbors and have a full tank of gas and an evacuation plan on hand just in case.

How do you prepare for coastal storms? Let us know in the comments if you're starting to see any effects from Hurricane Dorian at local stores or around town.