Flooding Slams Downtown Annapolis, Snarls Anne Arundel Traffic: Photos

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Flooding slammed the Anne Arundel County coastline on Friday. The inundation is set to continue Saturday. Landmarks are underwater, roads are closed and meteorologists said this could be the worst flood in 10 to 20 years.

The Annapolis storm surge reached 4.34 feet above normal Friday at 2:24 p.m. City officials warned that the tide could peak at 5.3 feet around 1 a.m. Saturday. This would be the third-largest surge in Annapolis' recorded history.

The highest tide ever was 7.16 feet. That came during Tropical Storm Isabel on Sept. 19, 2003.

To keep up with live flooding statistics, click here.

Here is the weekend tide schedule:

High Tides

• Friday at 11:56 a.m.
• Saturday at 1:02 a.m.
• Saturday at 1:06 p.m.
• Sunday at 1:50 a.m.
• Sunday at 2:11 p.m.

Low Tides

• Friday at 6:14 p.m.
• Saturday at 7:37 a.m.
• Saturday at 7:17 p.m.
• Sunday at 8:23 a.m.
• Sunday at 8:18 p.m.

The National Weather Service issued these weather alerts for Anne Arundel County:

• A coastal flood warning until 8 a.m. Sunday
• A flood watch until 6 p.m. Friday
• A wind advisory until 6 p.m. Friday

Forecasters called for 20 to 30 mph eastward winds with gusts up to 55 mph. Meteorologists predicted 1 to 2 inches of rain and isolated totals of 4 inches. These factors could bring 2 to 3 feet of inundation above ground level.

The latest weather updates are posted on the National Weather Service's website and Twitter.

Effects In Anne Arundel

The storm disrupted schools, commutes and businesses throughout the area.

Anne Arundel County Public Schools canceled all Friday classes. Leaders worried about poor road conditions.

Sustained winds forced the Maryland Transportation Authority to place the Chesapeake Bay Bridge under full wind restrictions Friday afternoon. That means crossing is only allowed for automobiles, pickup trucks, flatbed trailers, commercial buses and heavy-laden tractor-trailers.

The agency canceled two-way operations on the bridge Friday afternoon. That opened the possibility for eastbound traffic during the evening commute.

The Annapolis Police Department announced that these roadways are closed:

• Dock Street
• Compromise Street
• The Spa Creek Bridge
• Randall Street
• Chester Avenue at 5th Street

Officers told residents to avoid driving downtown, expect detours and anticipate delays. Authorities also reminded locals to never drive through standing water or go around barricades.

The flooding disrupted several Anne Arundel County businesses.

The water overcame roads in Shady Side. That prevented Driftwood Diner from opening on Friday.

In Riva, the floods reached the top of the pier at Mike's Bar & Crab House. The Annapolis Yacht Club also saw its dock and parking lot inundated.

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