City of Annapolis Braces for Tropical Storm Ophelia

The City of Annapolis is preparing for the impacts of Tropical Storm Ophelia, expected to reach the Annapolis area in the early morning hours of Saturday, September 23. 

TROPICAL STORM OPHELIA FORECAST: The National Weather Service forecast has the storm arriving in Annapolis around 3 a.m. on Saturday with periods of heavy rain and strong winds throughout the day on Saturday and into Sunday. Chance of rain for Saturday is 90 percent. There is a chance for strong winds, with gusts to 50 MPH. In addition, there is a chance for flooding incidents in low-lying areas. Please follow Annapolis Police direction for road closures due to flooding. 

Because of the windy forecast, the City is preparing for downed trees and power lines. The Annapolis departments of Planning and Zoning, Public Works and Recreation and Parks will deploy damage assessment teams, and “cut and toss” teams for debris removal, if necessary. Cross-departmental collaboration for cleanup will be coordinated by the Annapolis Office of Emergency Management (OEM). 

GET PREPARED: Create or restock your emergency kit. Being prepared means having your own food, water, and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Include the following items in your emergency kit:

• First Aid Kit and medications.

• Canned food and can opener.

• At least three gallons of water per person.

• Protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags.

• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.

• Pet food and supplies.

• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.

• Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise (a professional should turn them back on).

In addition:

• Clear downspouts and check the storm drains adjacent to your property to reduce the possibility of localized flooding.

• Secure loose objects, such as outdoor furniture, plants, or lawn ornaments that could become a projectile in high winds.

• Charge up your electronic devices.

• Know where you keep your insurance policy and contact information in the event your home or business sustains storm damage. 

• Do not run generators indoors or near windows or doorways to keep your family safe from carbon monoxide.

SANDBAG OPERATION: The City placed 50 tons of sand and supplied bags and shovels between 12 to 3 p.m. on Friday. 

HARBORMASTER/MARINE INFO: Water Taxi service will end at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 22 and will be out of service all day on Saturday, September 23. The Annapolis Harbormaster has advised that mooring balls and slips are available. If you are uncertain as to whether or not your anchor will hold, please move to a mooring ball or contact the harbor office for a slip. The Harbormaster has asked boat owners to check in on their boats after each high tide. As water recedes, docked boats may shift to floating above the pier or lift. As water levels return to normal, boats may become lodged on fixed structures or atop other boats. This can result in a vessel taking on water or sinking. Please check boats to prevent fuel leaks and property damage.

STAY INFORMED: The Annapolis Call Center is activated to answer non-emergency inquiries from the public. The Call Center number is 410-260-2211. 

• Prepare Me Annapolis is a free app from the Office of Emergency Management that provides emergency preparedness information to City of Annapolitans residents. The app delivers push notifications to mobile devices that include details and notices about City functions and activities. Prepare Me Annapolis is available, free of charge, on both the Apple Store and on Google Play.

• Sign up to receive ALERT ANNAPOLIS text messages by texting “ANNAPOLIS” to 38276 or go to alertannapolis.civicready.com. 

TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN: 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!”