Mayor’s Office Encourages Residents to Take Precautions Ahead of Potential Flash Flooding

BALTIMORE, MD (Thursday, July 31, 2025) — Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott issued the following update regarding the impact of potential severe storms and heavy rains predicted for this afternoon and evening that could cause flash flooding.

The Baltimore City Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is actively monitoring weather conditions in response to a Flood Watch issued for the area beginning 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025, and remaining in effect until 2:00 a.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025.

In coordination with local agencies, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated today to support citywide response efforts and coordinate resources should flooding occur. 

Flood-Related Road Closures  

Starting at 2:00 p.m. today, the following roadways in Harbor East will be closed to traffic with detours in effect:

• Aliceanna Street between Caroline and Bond Streets
• Caroline Street between Thames and Aliceanna Streets

As a precautionary measure, other roadways in typical low-lying areas that are prone to flooding will be closed this afternoon as needed with detours in effect. These include but are not limited to:

• Hillen Road at 35th Street
• Mt. Washington at 5910 Falls Road, Meadow Mill at 3600 Clipper Mill Road, Purnell Drive at W. Forest Park Avenue
• 600 W. Patapsco Avenue, S. Hanover Street, Frankfurst Avenue, Frederick Avenue at N. Bend Road, Frederick Avenue at Beechfield Avenue
• North Point Road at Quad Avenue, E. Monument Street at Pulaski Highway, Fleet Street at Aliceanna Street, Fleet Street at Caroline Street

Sandbag Distribution 

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation is distributing sandbags to residents at the following three locations from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. today:

• Fells Point: Intersection of Thames St. and Broadway
• Irvington: Stillmeadow Church, 5110 Frederick Ave
• Mervo High School: Hillen Rd and E. 35th St.

Parking Options for Residents in Low-Lying Areas

Harbor East and Fells Point residents who have their vehicles parked in flood-prone areas are strongly encouraged to relocate their cars as soon as possible. Residents are encouraged to park their cars at the following locations at no charge to avoid possible flooding:

• Fleet & Eden Garage
  501 S. Eden Street
  Baltimore, MD 21205
• Little Italy Parking Garage
  400 S. Central Avenue
  Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Free parking will be available starting at 2:00 p.m. today. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Vehicles must be moved out of the garage by 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, to avoid any fees.

Additionally, residents near Hillen Rd. and E. 35th St. will be able to park at Mervo High School.

Utility Maintenance and Solid Waste Operations

The Department of Public Works' (DPW) Utility Maintenance Division has been actively clearing storm drains in low-lying areas in preparation for potential flooding. Residents are encouraged to take proactive steps to protect their homes and communities, including clearing nearby storm drains, checking sump pumps, and reporting basement backups to 311.

While trash and recycling collections have not been suspended at this time, residents are advised to monitor DPW’s official social media channels for the latest service alerts and updates. If service is interrupted, residents should leave their items at the curb. Crews will resume collections as soon as conditions allow.

Permitted Outdoor Events and Recreation Activities Canceled

Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP) has canceled all outdoor permitted events and all outdoor recreation activities. All recreation centers will be closed effective at 5:00 p.m., including BCRP-sponsored summer camps. Additionally, all City pools will be closed effective 2:30 p.m. Families connected to impacted recreation activities and camps will be contacted directly by BCRP staff to ensure they are aware of the cancellation.

School and Library Closures

Baltimore City Public Schools will close at 2:00 p.m. Additionally, all Enoch Pratt libraries will close at 2:00 p.m.

Mayor's Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) - Emergency Shelters

The following City-funded shelters will be operating in an emergency capacity beginning at 12:00 p.m. today until 9:00 a.m. Friday, August 1, 2025:

• Weinberg Housing and Resource Center - (Single Adults Only)
  620 Fallsway
  Baltimore, MD 21202
• Fairfield Inn - (Couples and Families)
  101 S. President St.
  Baltimore, MD 21202

Street outreach teams will be active until 4:00 p.m. to offer emergency shelter and other resources to residents experiencing homelessness.

Personal Storm Preparations

Residents are reminded to avoid standing or moving water. Flood waters are almost always deeper and more swiftly moving than it appears. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters.

The City also reminds residents: Do not attempt to drive through flooded streets. Residents are reminded of the phrase: Turn around, don't drown! If you see a traffic control barrier in the road, don't drive around it, it has been placed for a reason.

The Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as information becomes available. Stay tuned to official OEM social media channels @BALTIMOREOEM, the City of Baltimore website, and local media for real-time alerts and safety guidance.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Monitor local weather reports
• Avoid low-lying and flood-prone areas
• Report flooded streets or downed trees to 311
• Sign up for OEM’s emergency alerts

OEM further encourages residents to compile a personal emergency kit. These kits often include:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
• Flashlight
• First Aid Kit
• Extra Batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Older adults and those with chronic illness are encouraged to take extra precautions, including contingency plans to manage necessary medications, especially those that require refrigeration.

Residents are also reminded to ensure the proper use of generators. If you have a generator, do not use a generator inside your home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Keep them outside of your living spaces and away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come inside. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill silently. Place generators at least 20 feet away from your home, downwind away from open doors, windows and vents. Turn the generator off before refueling, and allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes.

If you have storm drains around your property where you can see debris, please take action to clear them or call 311 to help identify locations so that City crews can respond to prevent flooding.Residents are encouraged to call 311 for any storm related service requests, including downed trees, traffic signals experiencing outages, or sewage backups.