Floodwaters rush through Fells Point, other Baltimore waterfront communities

BALTIMORE -- Flooding has shut down several roads in Fells Point following a hard-hitting storm on Tuesday.

Along Thames and Wolfe streets, tow trucks and patrol cars created barriers to oncoming traffic.

The bookend of those streets is just one example of floodwaters stretching inland, making roadways impassable and sending drivers steering elsewhere. 

Flooding covered the cobblestones along a stretch of Thames Street, while Baltimore City tow trucks were on standby to rescue vehicles from the rising water. 

"I've never seen it come all the way out into the street here," resident Mike Lilly said.

While the area historically floods, the relentless rain and wind from the storm didn't put a damper on Lilly and his dog Lucy.

"We come out every day, rain or shine," Lilly said.

Others watched the weather conditions from behind the glass of residences and restaurants.

"It's going to be a slow night, for sure," Liam Baker said.

Earlier in the day, dump truck after dump truck brought sandbags down to Broadway Pier in preparation for the continued onslaught of rain and wind.

The Patapsco River rose, caused by strong wind gusts, steady rainfall and change of the tide.

"Well, we need rain, and we'll have a beautiful spring because of it," Baltimore resident Damon Downing said. "I don't mind the cold, and I don't mind the rain, but this cold rain — it's, you know, it's not the best."

Some put out sandbags from Baltimore City as a last defense against water fighting to get inside.

[Flooding concerns come with potentially powerful storm tonight]

"It's worse today than it usually is just with how much we've gotten and for how many hours it's been raining," Baker said. 

Nakia told WJZ she got a few sandbags to better protect her home.

"This is a big blessing for the city to help out because sandbags are very expensive and they are very hard to come by," Nakia said. "So, these are definitely a big help."

City parking garages are also open free to nearby residents to get their cars off the flooded streets.

"You just prepare for it as much as possible," Baltimore resident Jeri Mankye said. "So, if they say there's going to be a lot of rain, don't make any plans to go out. You should have all the milk and toilet paper."