National Weather Service’s Updated Forecast Predicts High Tides, Strong Winds and Potential for the Third Highest Tide in Annapolis Since 1933
ANNAPOLIS, MD – On Thursday, an unusually high morning tide closed Compromise Street between Green Street and Memorial Circle. It is the beginning of a four-day weather pattern that will impact the region with extreme high tides, strong winds, severe flooding and, on Friday, soggy conditions. Expect road closures to continue in low-lying areas.
Forecast: Higher-than-normal tides will be joined by a rain and wind event that will hit the Chesapeake Bay region starting Thursday night. On Friday in the predawn hours, rain will move in, steady at first but becoming heavy around lunchtime. Sustained East/SE winds at 25 MPH are predicted with gusts to 50 MPH. Rain will move out Friday night while the windy conditions and flooding remain. Once the rain subsides on Saturday morning, the easterly wind will continue to exacerbate flooding by pushing water up the Bay and into the Annapolis area. At the conclusion of the wind event, the winds will be southerly.
The time to prepare for this storm is NOW.
The forecast calls for the following high tides between Thursday, Oct. 28 and Sunday, Oct. 31:
A 5 foot tide would be the third highest in Annapolis since the 1930s. For reference:
- Hurricane Isabel, 7.16 ft in 2003
- Chesapeake Hurricane, 6.17 ft in 1933
- Hurricane Connie, 4.98 ft in 1955
The impacts of this weather event will not only be felt downtown and in the City Dock area. Expect flooding in all low-lying areas of the City, including in Eastport, in West Annapolis and along Bembe Beach and Edgewood Roads. Follow all police directions and do not attempt to drive around police barricades or park in areas that police have closed.
SANDBAGS AT DONNER LOT: The City of Annapolis Department of Public Works has opened a sandbag operation on Compromise Street in the Donner Lot on Thursday, October 28 only. This operation is for Annapolis residents and businesses who will be asked to show identification. Please note that there may be limits on the number of bags available based on demand. This operation will be ongoing until the sand and bags are gone or until Thursday at 5 p.m. The sandbag availability is first come, first served.
BOATING: The Annapolis Harbormaster asks boat owners to consider pulling boats off of slips onto trailers or moving them to mooring balls. If this is not possible, boat owners should regularly check on their boats. During this weather event, wear a life jacket and complete these checks with a buddy. Docks will be slippery and strong winds could make this a treacherous endeavor. As water rises and falls, docked boats may shift to floating above the pier or lift and may become lodged on fixed structures or atop other boats. If your boat is on a lift, it will need secondary lines. Boaters should also check the height of pilings. Check boats to prevent fuel leaks and property damage. In addition, anchored boats should move to a mooring ball where possible. Boat owners are responsible for vessels that drag anchor and damage other boats or property. Boat owners and marinas should consider turning off electricity to docks as conditions deteriorate.
PREPARE YOUR HOME/BUSINESS: Ahead of Friday’s rain and wind, check gutters and storm drains and remove leaves and debris that may block the ability of water to keep moving. This can also reduce the impacts of street flooding and water pooling around (and getting into) your home.
WINDY CONDITIONS: Secure loose objects, such as outdoor furniture, tents, plants, or lawn ornaments that could become projectiles.
TURN AROUND DON’T DROWN: Inundation of waters can happen throughout the City, not just in downtown. Please follow any Annapolis Police directives and turn around at road closures. Do not drive through standing water. Do not park in closed parking lots. As a reminder, it only takes a few inches of water to turn a car into a boat (one without a motor or steering). Take the advice that the National Weather Service offers: “Turn Around. Don’t Drown!”
NON-EMERGENCY ANNAPOLIS CALL CENTER: The City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management is operating the non-emergency Annapolis Call Center. Please call 410-260-2211 if you have questions or non-emergency response related to the storm. Always call 911 for emergencies.
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- “Alert Annapolis” is a system that allows the City of Annapolis to send automated telephone messages, text messages, or emails quickly and efficiently in the event of an emergency. The brief message will provide information on the emergency and any important instructions. To sign up for Alert Annapolis, please go to the following site www.alertannapolis.regroup.com
- “Prepare Me Annapolis Mobile App” is a free app from the Office of Emergency Management that provides emergency preparedness information to City of Annapolitans residents. The app delivers push notifications that include details and notices about City functions and activities. Prepare Me Annapolis is available, free of charge, on both the Apple Store and on Google Play.
