Much Of Maryland Under Tropical Storm Warning Ahead Of Isaias

Elizabeth Janney
Updated ·6 min read

BALTIMORE, MD — The Baltimore-Washington area is under a tropical storm warning as Tropical Storm Isaias picks up steam in the Atlantic. Forecasters say extensive flood damage and limited wind damage are anticipated in Maryland, where much of the state was placed under a tropical storm warning Monday morning.

The warning means tropical storm-force winds are expected within 36 hours. Wind gusts may reach 70 mph in Annapolis and up to 60 mph in Baltimore, according to the National Weather Service, which is calling for about 40 mph sustained winds to blow through the region Tuesday morning through Tuesday afternoon.

Flash flooding is also a major concern, with 4 to 8 inches of rain or more expected to fall between Monday night and Tuesday evening in Maryland. Residents are advised to begin preparing for extensive flood damage and some wind damage now. The threat is high along and east of the Interstate 95 corridor. Significant impacts may also occur along and east of the I-81 corridor too.

Parking lots, streets, ditches, creeks and small streams could turn into dangerous rivers, according to the National Weather Service. Underpasses may be submerged. Roads and bridges may become impassable, weak or washed out.

Baltimore City is preparing for potential flooding near the Inner Harbor and other waterways from Monday into Tuesday and is offering sandbags from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday on Thames Street at Broadway. Residents have to fill their own sandbags and show proof of city residency. Annapolis is offering free sandbags at Truxton Park from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. or whenever sand runs out.

In Howard County, officials say they are inspecting channels in the Ellicott City watershed and removing debris as necessary.

The storm was 620 miles south-southwest of Baltimore and 590 miles south-southwest of Washington, D.C., as of 11:40 a.m. Monday. Isiais was moving north at 13 mph with 70 mph winds.

Calvert, Caroline, Dorchester, St. Mary's and Wicomico counties are under a tropical storm warning, which calls for winds of 40 to 60 mph winds with gusts up to 75 mph Tuesday morning until Tuesday afternoon. There is a chance of tornadoes around Ocean City as well as in southern Maryland, according to the warning.

“Please don’t let your guard down just because Isaias is no longer a hurricane,” Russ Strickland, executive director for the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), said in a statement.

"Be prepared for potential power outages, flash floods and tidal flooding," Strickland said. "This is still a dangerous system."

Marylanders should ensure to pack at least two face coverings for each person as well as hand sanitizer and disinfectants in their disaster supply kit, according to MEMA.

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According to MEMA, central Maryland will be affected, and the lower Eastern Shore and southern Maryland will be the hardest hit. If the storm makes a slight shift west, it could bring heavy rain to parts of western Maryland, officials say, advising most Marylanders will likely feel some effects from Isaias.

"Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues," according to the tropical storm warning for the Baltimore-Washington region.

Floodwaters may rush into structures, leaving them uninhabitable or gone altogether, the tropical storm warning states. Flood control systems and barriers could become overwhelmed, officials caution. Runoff in mountainous areas may lead to mudslides.

Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Harford, Montgomery, Prince George's and St. Mary's counties as well as Baltimore City and the District of Columbia are under a tropical storm warning.

Before the storm arrives, people in these areas should prepare, officials say.

Cancellations/Closures

Calvert County Parks & Recreation facilities/programs are closed/canceled until further notice.

More than a dozen coronavirus testing sites have closed operations Tuesday.

Flash Flood Watch Starts Monday Night

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for parts of Maryland as the East Coast braces for Tropical Storm Isaias. Forecasters say the storm is "likely to result in significant flash flooding" around small streams and creeks in Maryland.

Associated with Tropical Storm Isaias, the widespread heavy rain is expected to start late Monday night then spread north through Tuesday night.

About 3 to 6 inches of rain may fall across the state, according to the flash flood watch, which says locally higher amounts are possible.

These areas are included in the flash flood watch, effective from 11 p.m. Monday to 11 p.m. Tuesday: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, St. Mary's and Washington counties. Baltimore, D.C. and parts of Virginia are also under the flash flood watch.

Flooding rain may cause extensive damage, according to the watch. Those who live in flood-prone areas are encouraged to prepare and take protective actions.

Coastal Flood Watch Issued For Some Areas

A coastal flood watch takes effect Tuesday morning through evening, especially around high tide, as Tropical Storm Isaias makes its closest approach, according to the National Weather Service.

The coastal flood watch applies to parts of central, northern and southern Maryland and central and northern Virginia as well as the District of Columbia.

Wind Damage Likely In Southern Maryland

In the Baltimore metro area, with 39 to 57 mph winds possible, there is limited risk from wind, according to the National Weather Service.

The wind may cause the most significant impact in southern Maryland, forecasters say, with porches and siding, windows, mobile homes, trees and fences at risk of damage.

Roads may become impassable, and scattered power outages are possible in areas with above-ground lines.

Trees may be uprooted, limbs may snap, and driving could become hazardous on bridges and other elevated roads.

Beach erosion is forecast to be moderate, with strong rip currents and minor to moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks and piers. Some small boats may break free from their moorings, according to forecasters.

Storm surge could be up to 2 feet in surge-prone areas, from early Tuesday morning until early Wednesday morning. Other areas may see 1 foot of storm surge above ground that could cause moderate beach erosion and surge water to cover roads.

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This article originally appeared on the Havre de Grace Patch