National Weather Service Issues Multiple Alerts For Baltimore City, County

BALTIMORE, MD — Major flooding is possible in the Baltimore metro area Friday and Saturday as a large storm system moves through the Mid-Atlantic then New England. As a result, the National Weather Service posted multiple weather alerts for the Baltimore-Washington region.

Baltimore City and Baltimore County are under a coastal flood warning until Saturday morning. A wind advisory and flood watch take effect Friday there as well.

"One of the biggest tidal flood events of the past 10-20 years (possibly since Hurricane Isabel at some locales), is expected Friday & Saturday," forecasters from the National Weather Service's Baltimore/Washington bureau advised. "Those along tidal shores should get ready for exceptional tidal inundation!"

While tides are already elevated, forecasters said Thursday night, they are likely to be the highest Friday during the day through Saturday morning. All tidal shores of Maryland, D.C. and northern Virginia will see high water levels, according to authorities.

A coastal flood warning is in effect for Baltimore City and Baltimore County until 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30.

"High-impact tidal flooding is expected Friday into Saturday," the National Weather Service warned. "Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. If travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth."

Tides may be up to 4 feet above normal in Baltimore City and Baltimore County, according to the National Weather Service.

There will be 2 to 3 feet of inundation, with flooding expected in low-lying areas around the Baltimore County shoreline and Baltimore City.

At 3.8 feet, water begins flowing through yards toward houses in the Bowleys Quarters area in Baltimore County, according to the warning.

At 5.5 feet, roads and the Inner Harbor promenade area flood in downtown Baltimore, officials said.

Here are the times to watch in Baltimore and Bowley Bar:

• High tide at Fort McHenry in Baltimore is at 1:17 a.m. and 1:47 p.m.
• High tide at Bowley Bar is at 2:45 a.m. and 2:57 p.m.

Drivers should allow extra time and not drive through water-covered areas.

Roads may become impassible; docks and marinas could flood; sidewalks and parking lots could become inundated; and water may cover yards and flow into buildings, officials said.

A flood watch is in effect from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday calling for 1 to 2 inches of rain with isolated instances of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Streams and creeks may spill over their banks, and urban areas could flood, officials advise. People who live in flood-prone areas should be prepared to take action if flooding occurs.

These jurisdictions are under the flood watch:

• Anne Arundel County
• Baltimore City
• Baltimore County
• Howard County
• Montgomery County
• Prince George's County

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High Winds Prompt Advisory, Warning

The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Harford counties and Baltimore City, which takes effect from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.

Winds will be the strongest along the Chesapeake Bay and Patapsco River, according to the advisory. In particular, forecasters specified these areas may be impacted: Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Annapolis, Severn, South Gate, Severna Park, Arnold, Odenton, and Aberdeen.

During the advisory period, tree limbs may blow down, and power outages could occur. Drivers should keep both hands on the wheel, especially those in high-profile vehicles.

"Locally damaging wind gusts from heavier showers or an isolated thunderstorm are possible Friday afternoon and early evening," according to a hazardous weather outlook for the region. "An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out across southern Maryland."

In southern Maryland, Calvert and St. Mary's counties are under a high wind warning calling for gusts up to 60 mph.