Fells Point, other flood-prone Baltimore communities prepare for Debby's impact

BALTIMORE -- Flooding, severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes are on the way from what's left of Debby, which has been downgraded to a tropical depression.

Areas across Maryland are preparing for severe weather as Debby makes her way into the state. A tornado watch has been issued overnight for much of Maryland. Plus, a flood watch has been issued until 8 p.m. Friday.

Parts of Baltimore City are f lood-prone, including Hillen Road in East Baltimore, Frederick Avenue in Southwest Baltimore and Fells Point.

Baltimore City's Department of Public Works gave away sandbags to people to protect their businesses and homes from flooding in each of these neighborhoods. Crews have been out all week to prepare the city for the potential of flash floods and storm damage.

Flooding caused roads to close at S. Wolfe Street and Thames Street in Fells Point.

David Harper, who lives in Fells Point, said that while his area isn't flood-prone, grabbed sandbags in case water hops his curb and ends up on his doorstep.

"Better safe than sorry. Maybe this will be nothing," Harper said. "We'll just have to wait and see but I prefer to not have water in my basement if that's possible."

Joan Quinn, who drove from Federal Hill to stock up on sandbags, said water rushes from the top of the hill to the bottom, causing flooding near storm drains that are clogged. She has also prepared her home and has extra food, water and other supplies.

"Stock up on water and batteries. I did go to Harris Teeter this morning and I got there before the crowds," Quinn said. "I'm not worried but if I have to hunker down, I want to be prepared."

The Department of Emergency Management is encouraging residents to have an emergency preparedness kit in case there are widespread power outages or flooding, like what Baltimore City experienced last weekend .

In a news conference on Wednesday, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott encouraged everyone to prepare their homes. He asked residents to clear nearby storm drains so they don't clog and secure items that may be loose.

"If it's going to be really bad, we tie down the furniture on our roof deck, because it can catch flight and end up being our neighbor's roof deck furniture if we don't do that," Harper said.

While the city just got back on its feet from last weekend's severe weather, Scott says it's important to prepare again in case the worst happens.

"Following the severe impact of the storms over this past weekend, knowing that many people are still dealing with the fallout, we're not sparing any precautions as this next storm makes his way here," Scott said.

Because there is still debris on the roads and sidewalks, the city is asking residents to try to clear it from storm drains or call 311 for a city crew to remove it. Clogged storm drains can cause significant flooding, according to Scott.

Most Baltimoreans say they aren't too worried about the storm that's been downgraded to a tropical storm. It will likely hit strongest in western Maryland.

"Prepare for what's coming," Harper said. "Hope for the best always and help your neighbors."

In Fells Point, the city opened parking garages for free for neighbors so they can move their cars indoors if there is flooding. Free parking runs from Thursday morning though Saturday with spaces available on a first come first serve basis.

The garages include Fleet & Eden Garage, Caroline Street Garage and the Little Italy Parking Garage.

All Baltimore recreational and permitted events have been canceled, including summer camps. All pools will also be closed citywide through Saturday.

The city is also opening an emergency shelter for anyone who needs a place to ride out the storm. The Robert C. Marshall rec center in West Baltimore will be available for people who need housing. Additional shelters could be opened as needed.

Sandbags will be distributed in Fells Point on Thames Street, at Mergenthaler High School (MerVo) and at Stillmeadow Church until 6 p.m. on Thursday.

If you are driving around and see flooding or a blocked-off roadway, Mayor Scott encourages drivers to turn around and find an alternate route. He says if a roadway is blocked, it is because it is unsafe.

Generators should be used at least 20 feet away from homes, and outside of garages, basements and other enclosed areas.

If you see storm damage, report it to 311.

Solid Waste Operations Suspended on Friday

Due to the issued weather advisories, all trash, recycling, and street sweeping services scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, August 9th have been canceled. The makeup day for these services will be on Monday, August 12.

Please note that all drop-off centers will have a delayed opening at 10 AM on Friday. This includes:

• Northwest Transfer Station, 5030 Reisterstown Road
• Quarantine Road Landfill, 6100 Quarantine Road
• Northwest Residential Drop-off Center, 2840 Sisson Street
• Southwestern Residential Drop-off Center, 701 Reedbird Avenue
• Eastern Residential Drop-off Center, 6101 Bowleys Lane

Flood Related Road Closures

The following flood-prone roads have been closed as a precaution at this time, but reports of significant flooding have not been received as of 8:30 p.m.:

• Thames Street, from Wolfe Street to the Pier
• North Point Road at the AMTRAK underpass (between Quad Avenue and Kane Street)
• Pulaski Highway at the CSX underpass, east of Monument Street

Parking Options for Residents in Low-Lying Areas

The Parking Authority of Baltimore City has made space available in neighborhood City-owned parking facilities for residents in Fells Point to park their cars in as the storm that is predicted to bring flooding to Fells Point.

Parking is free in these garages from Thursday, August 8 starting at 10 a.m. until Saturday, August 10. Spaces are available on a 'first come, first served' basis. The timeframe may be extended based on conditions and on monthly contract parker obligations. Residents will be asked to provide proof of residency at the garages.

The City-owned garage locations within or near Fells Point include:

• Fleet & Eden Garage
  501 S. Eden Street
  Baltimore, MD 21205
• Caroline Street Garage
  805 S. Caroline Street
  Baltimore, Maryland 21231
• Little Italy Parking Garage
  400 S. Central Avenue
  Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Permitted Outdoor Events and Recreation Activities Canceled

Reminder, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks has canceled all outdoor permitted events and all outdoor recreation activities for Friday, August 9th, including BCRP-sponsored summer camps. All recreation centers and special facilities will be closed on Friday, August 9th. Additionally, all pools will remain closed Friday and Saturday. The Teen Pool Party scheduled for Friday night has been canceled. Families connected to impacted recreation activities and camps, as well as those who RSVPed to Friday's canceled Teen Pool Party, will be contacted directly by BCRP staff to ensure they are aware of the cancellation.

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

An emergency shelter, coordinated by the Mayor's Office of Homeless Services is open  now through Saturday at Robert C. Marshall Recreation Center. The Rec Center closed early at 6 p.m. on Thursday to make way for preparations, and the shelter is now available for unhoused or housing insecure residents.

Outreach teams will continue working to encourage residents experiencing housing insecurity to relocate to existing shelters where beds are available.

During the storm, street outreach teams will work to transport anyone still not placed in a shelter to Robert C. Marshall.

In addition to the MOHS emergency shelter, the City will monitor the impact of storm damage as the storm progresses and are taking steps that would allow for the quick opening of additional emergency shelter locations in severely impacted areas. This step will only be taken if necessary following widespread power outages and significant storm damage.

Personal Storm Preparations

The City of Baltimore reminds residents to take steps to protect themselves, family members, and property by making preparations in advance of the storm's arrival on Thursday.

OEM 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)