Floods

Isabel LightsThe City of Annapolis is susceptible to floods/flash floods anytime during the year but especially from March to September. Flooding is primarily due to the City's location as a coastal community. The lowest lying land is in the downtown Annapolis/City Dock area and Eastport, located at the mouth of the Severn River, Annapolis Harbor, and Spa Creek.

Flood Warning Descriptions

The following are descriptions of Flood warnings applicable to this area, which could be disseminated to the populace via alert and notification mechanisms:

  • Flood Watch: A flood is possible in your area.
  • Flood Warning: Flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
  • Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible in your area.
  • Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.

Urban Flooding

The flooding most often experienced in the City of Annapolis is termed "urban flooding" which is similar to flash flooding. Urban flooding can occur when:

  • Sanitary sewers are infiltrated by floodwaters, causing sanitary sewers to surge.
  • Undersized roads culverts and railroad culverts, as well as, storm water systems can't contain flood flows.
  • The capacity of flood control systems (such as drainage ponds) is exceeded.
  • Wind induced coastal flooding that causes storm water drainage systems to be overwhelmed.
  • The Bay floods over banks and backward through storm drains.
  1. How to Prepare
  2. What to Do
  3. Safety Tips

Protecting yourself today means having sources of information, preparing your home or workplace, developing an emergency communications plan, and knowing what to do when a flood is approaching your home or business. Taking action today can save lives and property.

  • Know your flood risk.
  • Make a family disaster plan that includes out-of-town contacts and locations to reunite if you become separated. Be sure everyone knows home, work and cell numbers, and how to call 9-1-1.
  • Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit. Be sure to include a flashlight, batteries and/or battery pack, cash, and first aid supplies.
  • Consider buying flood insurance.  Flood losses are not covered under homeowners’ insurance policies.
  • Familiarize yourself with your local emergency plans. Know where to go and how to get there should you need to get to higher ground, the highest level of a building or to evacuate.
  • Be alert. Stay tuned to your phone alerts, TV, radio for weather updates, emergency information and/or evacuation orders.

Flooding Events in Annapolis, MD