Baltimore Area Sees Trees Topple During Isaias, But City Spared Worst Of Storm
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- As Tropical Storm Isaias made its way out of Maryland, Baltimore City storm crews responded to reports of downed trees while officials watched for possible flooding.
Residents were encouraged to prepare for possible flooding in areas near the Inner Harbor and other waterways, including near Thames Street in Fells Point, Smith Avenue and Falls Road and the Clipper Mill Business Park.
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Water rose in the Jones Falls as heavy rains fell in the area. People who work in the area said the Jones Falls was eight feet deeper than normal, but it didn't jump the bank.
Flood barricades had been set outside some nearby businesses in case the water got high.
In low-lying Fells Point, business owners placed sandbags in front of storefronts to protect from possible high water. The area was spared from any major flooding.
In northwest Baltimore, Cedmont resident Mitchell Dean said he once again saw flooding in his backyard and basement. Of the 21 years he's lived in the area, he estimates he's seen flooding during all but five.
As the storm approached, he got sandbags from the city but was dreading the inches of expected rainfall.
Dean calls his back yard his own personal Ellicott City and is asking the city to help him with an easement or something to flush the water out.
Trees in parts of the city were toppled, including one large tree that blocked Greenspring Road in north Baltimore.
Prior to the storm's arrival, the city's public works department asked residents to clear storm drains if possible to help prevent flooding in areas of the city.
"If areas have flooded in the past, I would expect them to flood again," acting city public works department director Matthew Garbark said.
The city's port reopened Tuesday evening following the storms.
Baltimore County saw some flooding throughout the day as well. Fire officials from Bowleys Quarters Fire Department said they were ready to go and were going to deploy their trucks if needed, but largely, the chief says, the area was spared.
Areas including Miami Beach and Bay Drive saw some localized flooding but it was nothing like what the volunteer fire department was expecting -- they didn't have to respond to even one call.
"We've never had an event, tropical event, where we've had no responses. This is the first one," Chief Shannon Stallings said.
Chief Shannon Stallings said most of the flooding came from rainwater runoff crossing through streams, creeks and roadways.
That's unusual for Bowleys Quarters during a storm like Isaias because water surrounds much of the community.
"The wind direction along with the tides seemed to sink up in a pattern that was favorable to our community," the chief said.
But some standing water still could be seen in some spots, and the chief says to be careful near them.
"Puddles and areas of deep water are not playgrounds for children or for recreational activities. Those waters could be energized they could be carrying hazardous material," Stallings said.
The area may also have some downed wires Tuesday. If you see them you're asked to call BGE and report them.
WJZ reporters Amy Kawata, Stetson Miller and Rachael Cardin contributed to this report.
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