As Tropical Depression Ida moves through the region, Baltimore City and Maryland state officials are urging residents to take precautions to stay safe and prepared.
Gov. Larry Hogan on Wednesday directed the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to raise its state activation level for Tropical Depression Ida.
“This will allow MEMA to coordinate an efficient statewide multi-agency response, and work in real time to address any local requests for assistance,” Hogan said in a statement.
Hogan warned of Ida’s possible impact, including flooding and downed trees.
“With this major storm, there is the potential for significant amounts of rainfall that could lead to severe flash flooding and river flooding thereafter. Winds of 25-35 mph could lead to instances of downed trees and power outages. A tornado threat encompasses much of the state.
Residents should remain indoors during severe weather, closely monitor updated weather forecasts, and heed all warnings from local authorities, state officials said.
People can also follow social media accounts for MEMA and their regional National Weather Service for localized weather forecasts.
If you do have to drive, never drive through flooded roadways. Instead, turn around and find an alternate, non-flooded route.
Residents who are traveling should inform friends and family of their travel route and expected arrival time.
Keep electronic devices charged in case of power outages. If you do experience a power outage, call the emergency phone number for your local utility company.
The Baltimore City Department of Transportation is distributing a limited number of sandbags to city residents on a first-come, first-served basis from 7-11 a.m. Wednesday at three locations: the intersection of Thames Street and Broadway in Fells Point, Still Meadow Church at 5110 Frederick Ave. in Westgate, and 2601 Spellman Road in Cherry Hill.
Residents must show proof of city residency and will be able to take no more than 10 sandbags each. Sand, bags, bag ties and shovels will be supplied, but residents must fill and transport sandbags themselves.
The city’s transportation department is advising Baltimore residents in low-lying areas to move their vehicles to higher ground, especially in Harbor East, Fells Point and Canton neighborhoods.
Residents in areas prone to flooding can park their cars free of charge at the Eden Street Garage (501 S. Eden Street) and the Caroline Street Garage (805 S. Caroline Street) to avoid possible flooding in the area. Those garages will be open and free from 7 p.m. Tuesday until 9.am. Thursday. Space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Vehicles must be moved out of the garage by 9 a.m. Thursday to avoid any fees.
DOT also strongly advises residents not to walk or drive through flooded areas, and to avoid moving or bypassing barricades that emergency officials have placed for safety. If you encounter a flooded area, turn around and use an alternate route.
Baltimore City Public Schools will dismiss three hours early Wednesday due to the pending storm. The district office building will close at 1 p.m.
Due to the pending storm, all schools will release three hours prior to their scheduled end bell time today, September 1.
The district office building will close today at 1:00 p.m.
— Baltimore City Public Schools (@BaltCitySchools) September 1, 2021
Baltimore County Public Schools and offices will dismiss three hours early on Wednesday “due to impending inclement weather.” Afternoon pre-K and all afterschool and evening activities are cancelled.
(2/2) UPDATE: “Essential” employees remain on duty or may request from the appropriate supervisor to use leave time. “Essential as Needed” employees will remain on duty as directed or may request from the appropriate supervisor to use leave time
— Baltimore County Public Schools (@BaltCoPS) September 1, 2021
