Annapolis Providing Sandbags For Homes, Businesses Ahead Of Ida

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Ahead of Tropical Depression Ida's arrival, Annapolis homeowners and business owners can pick up sandbags at the Kenneth R. Dunn Municipal Pool on Wednesday morning.

Homeowners can have up to five sandbags, while businesses can take up to 10. The city will have 40 tons of sand on hand, and will also supply bags and shovels.

Residents can pick up the supplies in the pool's parking lot at Truxtun Park (251 Pump House Road, Annapolis) beginning at 7 a.m. Anyone who arrives after 11:30 a.m. will be turned away "so that Department of Public Works personnel can turn their attention to other necessary preparations," the city said in a news release.

City officials are asking that residents maintain physical distance from those not in their individual family group due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The National Weather Service expects Tropical Depression Ida to arrive in Annapolis around noon, with heavy periods of rain in the afternoon and evening – and into Thursday.

There is a 100 percent chance of rain on Wednesday, along with a chance for strong wind gusts of up to 30 mph. Small tornadoes may form as the storm moves through the area.

The city is preparing for downed trees and power lines, and suggests that residents create or restock an emergency kit with food, water, and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours.

More information on storm preparations can be found here.