NWS Has Issued Coastal Flood Warning, Flood Watch and High Wind Warning for Tuesday, January 9, 2024

BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, January 9, 2024) -- The City of Baltimore is continuing it's response to the ongoing storm situation and cautions residents to continue taking appropriate precautionary measures.

The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Warning in effect from January 9, 03:00 PM until January 10, 01:00 AM EST, a Flood Watch in effect from January 9, 01:00 PM until January 10, 07:00 AM EST, and a High Wind Warning in effect from January 9, 03:00 PM until January 10, 01:00 AM EST for areas including Baltimore City.

This means that residents should be prepared for the possibility of two to three feet of inundation above ground level possible in low lying areas due to tidal flooding, as well as flooding caused by excessive rainfall. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood prone locations. Southeast winds are expected to be 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and power outages may result.

Precautionary Measures

• Residents are encouraged to complete preparations as soon as possible. Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.
• Keep cell phones well charged. Listen to local news for updates and pay attention to instructions from local authorities.
• Avoid standing water and never attempt to drive through it.

Sandbag Distribution

With the threat of heavy rain and possible tidal flooding in low lying areas, the Department of Transportation will have limited quantities of sandbags available for city residents and business owners.

Sandbags are still available to Baltimore City residents and business owners on Tuesday, January 9 from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at the following location:

• Mervo High School - 3500 Hillen Road, Baltimore MD (Main Entrance)

DOT previously completed sandbag distribution earlier in the day in Fells Point and Frederick Avenue.

Sandbags are available to Baltimore City residents and business owners on a first-come, first-served basis. Those picking up sandbags will be asked to show proof of residence or business ownership in the City of Baltimore, such as a driver’s license, utility bill or business license.  Residents/business owners must fill and transport their sandbags. Sand, bags, bag ties and shovels will be supplied on-site at the locations listed above.

Parking Accommodations

Residents in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding may park in City-owned garages in Fells Point, Harbor East, and Little Italy.

Parking is free at the Fleet & Eden Garage beginning at 9:00 AM Tuesday, January 9, 2024, and at Little Italy and Caroline Street Garages starting at 4:00 PM. Parking is available on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Residents who take advantage of this opportunity must remove their vehicles from City-owned garages after the storm and no later than Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 8:00 AM for the Little Italy and Caroline Street Garages, and 12:00 PM for the Fleet and Eden Garage. The timeframe may be extended based on conditions. Residents will be asked to provide proof of residency at the garages.

Beginning at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Residents that live near 35^th and Hillen Road can park on the backside of Mervo High School.

Beginning at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, January 9, 2024: 

Fleet & Eden Garage 
501 S. Eden Street 
Baltimore, MD 21205

Beginning at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, January 9, 2024:

Little Italy Parking Garage
400 S. Central Avenue 
Baltimore, Maryland 21202 

Caroline Street Garage
805 S. Caroline Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21231

We are closely monitoring the weather and are preparing for the severe weather that is expected and will continue to update residents. The safety of our residents is always our top priority.

To help our resident’s plan and prepare, here are some QUICK TIPS

• Postpone outdoor activities 
• Watch for flying debris; tree limbs may break and cause damage.
• Call 911 for emergencies
• Secure unsecured, and loose items and furniture

ENERGY QUICK TIPS:

• Assume that all wires are energized at dangerous voltages. NEVER assume that a wire is safe to touch or be near. Call BGE at 1-877-778-222 to report fallen electrical lines, power outages and gas odors. 
• If customers experience an outage, they are reminded NOT to assume the outage has already been reported.
• Customers can track the progress of repairs on the BGE Outage Tracker or through the free BGE Mobile App.

RAINFALL/FLOOD QUICK TIPS:

• Move immediately to higher ground or stay on high ground
• Follow our social media platforms for updated information
• Do not drive into flooded areas
• Due to excessive rainfall, there may be reduced visibility. Reduce driving speeds and take precaution.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Tishawna McGowan at 410-396-3364 or email at tishawa.mcgowan@baltimorecity.gov