Baltimore Prepares For Isaias, Flooding: Where To Get Sandbags, Park Your Car And More

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Baltimore city officials urged residents to prepare for the possibility of flooding and outages due to the arrival of Isaias.

The worst of the storm, which strengthened into a hurricane ahead of its landfall along the Carolina coast, is expected between dawn and 3 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to prepare for possible flooding in areas near the Inner Harbor and other waterways, including near Thames Street in Fells Point, Smith Ave and Falls Road and the Clipper Mill Business Park.

"If areas have flooded in the past, I would expect them to flood again," acting city public works department director Matthew Garbark said.

TRACKING ISAIAS:

• Tropical Storm Watches, Warnings In Effect For Parts Of Maryland As Tropical Storm Isaias Lashes Florida Coast
• TIMELINE: When Will Isaias Reach Maryland?
• City Officials: Fells Point Residents Should Move Cars, Prepare For Potential Tropical Storm Isaias Flooding

MOVE YOUR CARS

Residents should move their vehicles to higher ground as soon as possible and secure all outside furniture and trash cans.

Fells Point residents parked in areas prone to flooding are "strongly encouraged" to relocate their cars as soon as possible.

The Caroline Street (805 S. Caroline Street) and the Fleet and Eden Garage (501 S. Eden Street) will be open from noon on Monday until Wednesday so residents can park their cars in the garage at no charge to avoid possible flooding in the area.

Residents will be asked to provide proof of residency at the garages, and they are urged to park on the upper-level floors.

Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, and vehicles must be moved out of the garage by 7 a.m. on Wednesday to avoid any fees.

People should also expect parking restrictions in low-lying areas starting Monday night.

CLEAR DRAINS & GUTTERS

Officials continue to ask residents to see that storm drains near their home are clear, but regardless of them being clear, there will be issues with flooding -- due to a capacity issue in the drains.

City crews are taking preparedness actions early to clear storm drains. If you are able to clear storm drains of debris around your property, please do so to prevent flooding.

Residents should also clear their downspouts and gutters to prepare for heavy rains.

Anyone who experiences a basement backup of sewage should call 311 to report it. Don't touch or try to clean the sewage.

GET SANDBAGS

Sandbags will be available for all city residents on Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the intersection of Thames and Broadway. A second site is open at Stillmeadow Community Fellowship Church at 5110 Frederick Avenue.

Residents must show proof of identification and will be limited to 10 sandbags each on a first-come, first-served basis, weather and supplies permitting. Everyone must fill their own sandbags.

After the storm, citizens should place unwanted sandbags in front of their homes near the curb and call 311 for pick-up. Residents should not dump sand into storm drains, gutters, trash or waterways.

EXPECT ROAD CLOSURES, POWER OUTAGES

If a road is flooded, turn around, do not drive through it.  Stay informed and tune in to your local news for more information.

Power outages and down trees are expected and the city is working closely with BGE and all city agencies to get power restored and roads cleared if affected during and after the storm.

For power outages and downed power lines please call BGE at 877-778-2222. For trees that are blocking roadways, please call 311. For emergencies only, please call 911.

Officials also said residents should use the rest of Monday to prepare for the storm:

• Make sure your cell phone is fully charged.
• Get a battery-powered radio in case of outages.
• Flashlights or battery-powered lanterns with backup batteries.
• Keep your freezer, refrigerator closed to keep food fresh in case of a power outage.
• Check basement sump pumps and have a battery backup.

CANCELLATIONS AND CLOSURES

The Harbor Connector suspended service at 5:30 p.m. on Monday and will be suspended on Tuesday as well.

Trash and recycling pickup in Baltimore is also canceled. It has been rescheduled for Saturday.

A number of coronavirus testing sites have suspended operations on Tuesday.

Watch the full press conference:

WJZ's weather team will be tracking the path of Isaias. Watch on WJZ from 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m., at noon and 4-6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. for the latest. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Stay up-to-date with the latest forecast by downloading the WJZ weather app.

In:
• Flooding
• Baltimore City