We take the safety of visitors, volunteers and vendors in the Market seriously by taking all precautions to keep visitors safe. However, the weather is one thing out of our control and, as everyone who lives here knows, it’s Maryland. Weather can change rapidly from a sunny day to a downpour, sometimes with wind and lightning.
If it is raining, bring your umbrella and stroll between the raindrops. The Market will be open rain or shine! However, if the rain is coming along with a good dose of thunder and lightning, our first priority is to make sure everyone is safe. If you are planning out your visit and severe weather is in the forecast, make sure you check our Twitter and Instagram & Facebook pages frequently. We will post any weather announcements there.
If we expect adverse weather conditions before the market, a decision will be communicated to vendors by 9am on whether the market is cancelled or moved to a different location for the day. CSA registrants will be notified by 11am where to pick-up their shares for the week.
If you are in the Market when weather is an issue, please follow these guidelines:
- For the threat of lightning, people in the Market will be directed to their vehicles until 30 minutes have passed lightning/thunder free.
- If more than 60 minutes have passed and the storm continues or the Market Coordinator can verify an extended storm cell’s presence exceeding the remaining open hours of the Market, the Market will be closed for the day.
Hopefully these safety steps will be rarely used. In the event they are, your attention to the guidelines will help get everything into order quickly, so once the weather passes, we can pick up where we left off.