Trash Pickup Canceled In Baltimore Tuesday: Isaias Closures

BALTIMORE, MD — Services from the water taxi to coronavirus testing will be suspended Tuesday due to Hurricane Isaias. Baltimore is under a tropical storm warning. A flash flood watch takes effect at 11 p.m. and continues until 11 p.m. Tuesday.

According to the flash flood alert, 3 to 6 inches of rain are expected with locally higher amounts possible, between Monday night and Tuesday night.

Vehicles can get swept away in 2 inches of water, officials advise. Do not drive or walk through flooded areas or pass through barricades. Turn around; don't drown.

Cancellations, Closures

Trash and recycling collections have been canceled for Tuesday, Aug. 4, due to expected high winds and heavy rain from Isaias. The makeup day will be Saturday, Aug. 8.

Community-based coronavirus testing sites, such as at Pimlico, have been closed Tuesday due to the forecast. Visit the Baltimore City Health Department's coronavirus testing locator for help.

Harbor Connector services were suspended at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Tuesday, Aug. 4.

Steps For Residents To Take

• Clear storm drains in the area. That includes ensuring drivers are not parked near them.
• Keep water on hand. Power outages could lead to disruptions in water pumping service.
• Move valuables from a lower level to a higher floor if they would be in harm's way.
• Ensure sump pumps are operational.
• Sign up for notifications through Baltimore's emergency alert system.

City public works crews have been clearing storm drains and encourage residents to clear them around the property if they have debris around them, including leaves and trash.

If there is debris atop a grate, officials ask residents to sweep and bag it. The same applies for debris around curbs, alleys and sidewalks, which may wash into the drains.

These actions will prevent flooding, officials say.

Matthew W. Garbark, the acting director of public works, asks residents to prepare now for the heavy rains and potential flooding expected Tuesday.

Transportation crews are on standby in the event of downed trees, signal issues and power outages. If traffic lights are nonoperational, drivers should treat them as four-way stops.

Parking Restrictions, Free Garage In Fells Point

These flood-prone areas around Fells Point will have parking restrictions in effect:

• Bank Street from S. Exeter to Wolf Streets (to the north)
• Wolfe Street from Bank to Thames Streets (to the east)
• Exeter Street from Bank to Lancaster Streets (to the west)
• Lancaster Street from Exeter to Caroline Streets, Caroline to Thames Streets, and Thames from Caroline to S. Wolfe Streets (to the south)

Free parking is available for Fells Point residents at the Caroline Street Garage (805 S. Caroline St.) and Fleet and Eden garage (501 S. Eden St.), with proof of residency, such as a driver's license.

"Fells Point residents who have their vehicles parked in areas prone to flooding are strongly encouraged to relocate their cars as soon as possible," Baltimore City Department of Public Works advised. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Vehicles must be moved out by 7 a.m. Wednesday to avoid fees.

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation distributed sandbags in Fells Point and on Frederick Avenue Monday. Once they are done with them, citizens are asked to put them in front of their homes near the curb and call 311 for pickup.

Who To Call In The Event Of Issues

• For power outages and downed power lines, call BGE at 877-778-2222.
• For trees blocking roads, call 311.
• For sewer backups, call 311.
• For concerns about homelessness or food insecurity, call 211.
• For emergencies, call 911.