PRESS RELEASE
Office of Mayor Gavin Buckley
CITY OF ANNAPOLIS
160 Duke of Gloucester Street
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
Media Contact: Mitchelle Stephenson, 410-972-7724, mwstephenson@annapolis.gov; Roz Hamlett.
After Unusually High Tides in Mid-Atlantic, City Urges Boat Owners to Check Vessels, Reminds Drivers to 'Turn Around, Don't Drown'
ANNAPOLIS, MD (Oct. 12, 2019) - A tropical storm parked off the coast of New Jersey has caused unusually high tides in the Chesapeake Bay and mid-Atlantic region. This has brought unexpected flooding in areas around the City of Annapolis. At high tide, many docks are underwater.
The Annapolis Harbormaster has asked boat owners to check in on their boats after high tides on Saturday night and Sunday morning.
“As the waters recede, it is important for boat owners to check boats regularly, said Beth Bellis, Annapolis Harbormaster. “Many boats may be floating above the piers or lifts where they are docked. Boats may have shifted. As water levels return to normal, boats could have become lodged on fixed structures or other boats. This can result in the vessel taking on water or sinking. Please check your boats to prevent fuel leaks or property damage.”.
In addition, coastal flooding has caused some street closures in the Historic District, Eastport and other low-lying areas. Please follow Annapolis Police directives and turn around at road closures. Do not drive through standing water. As a reminder, it only takes a few inches of water to turn a car into a boat (one without a motor or steering). Take the advice that the National Weather Service offers: “Turn Around. Don’t Drown!”
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