Extremely High Tides Flood Downtown Streets In Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Annapolis drivers were asked Wednesday not to drive around barricades as abnormally high tides closed Compromise Street and the City Dock area. Boat owners were told to prepare for tides 3 feet above normal as the National Weather Service issued a coastal flood warning until Wednesday evening, March 7. Extremely high tides are predicted for 9 a.m. Wednesday, likely more than 3 feet above normal.

Several streets were closed Tuesday night by flooding. Annapolis Police said Compromise Street and Dock Street are closed by the high tides. Traffic from Eastport should enter downtown from West Street, Rowe Boulevard or King George Street. Traffic going to Eastport should use Duke of Gloucester Street.

City officials urged residents to make sure you take precautions to protect your property. Boat owners should make sure your lines can accommodate a higher than normal tide and if on a lift, they are secured. Also secure any small vessels or property along shorelines.

The coastal flood warning for the area is in effect until 7 p.m. along the shoreline in Anne Arundel County. Tide levels could be 1.5 to 2.5 feet above normal within a few hours of high tide through Wednesday afternoon. The next high tides at Annapolis are at 8:42 p.m. and 9:21 a.m.

Tuesday evening water was expected to pond in the parking lot at Annapolis City Dock. Minor shoreline inundation is possible elsewhere. Wednesday morning, water may come up through storm drains and approach businesses on Dock Street in Annapolis. Water may also approach the Maritime Museum and begin to cover Bowyer Road at the Naval Academy. Shoreline inundation is likely in other low lying areas.

A Coastal Flood Warning means that flooding is occurring or imminent. Coastal residents in the warned area should be alert for rising water, and take appropriate action to protect life and property.

If you need assistance from the City Harbormaster, call 410-263-7973 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. After hours, call Natural Resources Police or Annapolis City Police.

Image via city of Annapolis