City Opens Sandbag Operation; Urges Boat Owners to Check Vessels; Reminds Drivers to ‘Turn Around, Don’t Drown’
ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Halloween weekend in Annapolis will arrive alongside a mid-Atlantic weather disturbance that will bring strong winds, rainy conditions and unusually high tides. The City of Annapolis is anticipating flooding conditions in low-lying areas and will open a sandbag operation on Dock Street beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday morning, Oct. 28.
The forecast calls for the following high tides between Friday Oct. 29 and Sunday, Oct. 31:
- Friday: high tide at noon of 3.3 feet
- Friday/Saturday: high tide around midnight of 4 feet
- Saturday: high tide around 1 p.m. of 3 to 4 feet
- Saturday/Sunday: high tide around 1 a.m. of 3 feet
Typically, Compromise Street closes when floodwaters reach 3.1 feet. The pumps along Dock Street begin to be overwhelmed at the same level. Expect downtown flooding to disrupt traffic starting Friday lunchtime through the morning on Sunday when the water will begin to recede.
To add to these high tides, a storm system on Friday will bring strong winds that may exacerbate flooding because high winds from the East often push water from the Chesapeake Bay further into vulnerable areas in Annapolis and the Western Shore of Maryland.
SANDBAGGING AT CITY DOCK: The City of Annapolis Department of Public Works will open a sandbag operation at City Dock beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 28. This operation is for Annapolis residents and businesses only. Residents and business owners will be asked to show identification. Bags and shovels will be available for this self-service operation. Please note that there may be limits on the number of bags available based on demand.
BOATING: The Annapolis Harbormaster has asked boat owners to check in on their boats after each high tide. As the water recedes, docked boats may shift to floating above the pier or lift. As water levels return to normal, boats may become lodged on fixed structures or atop other boats. This can result in a vessel taking on water or sinking. Please check boats to prevent fuel leaks and property damage. In addition, boats should move off anchor to a mooring ball where possible. Boat owners are responsible for vessels that drag anchor and damage other boats or property.
PREPARE YOUR HOME/BUSINESS: Ahead of Friday’s rain and wind, check gutters and stormdrains 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!”
SIGN UP FOR EMERGENCY ALERTS!
- “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.
