Annapolis Capital Punishment

Says Flooding "Could Be Of Biblical Proportions"  [actually I just slipped that in there for emphasis.....well...I mean, hey, there really is a LOT of water!!!! I just found piranhas in my basement...]

(Seriously....from a news release from City Hall....or maybe from the Operations Bunker...)
Greatest flooding risk is tonight; several streets closed; some bus routes altered

As a severe storm has dropped more than 6 inches today in Annapolis, Mayor Joshua J. Cohen advises homeowners and businesses to take precautions against flooding. The greatest risk for flooding will occur tonight around the period of the next high tide, which will take place at 11:40 p.m.

The Naval Academy has reported 6.24 inches of rain so far, and the City’s Harbormaster office has recorded gusts of about 40 mph. The National Weather Service has issued several weather watches and warnings for Annapolis. The following are in effect: a tornado watch until 7 p.m., a flash flood warning until 6:15 p.m., and coastal flood warning until midnight. Heavy rain is expected to fall into mid-afternoon and stop tonight. Sustained winds may be 25 to 35 mph with gusts of 45 to 50 mph.  continued....
In response, the City’s Emergency Operations Center has been fully activated; the Department of Public Works has closed several roads in low-lying areas in and around downtown; and Annapolis Transit has modified some of its bus routes.

In addition, the Office of Emergency Management has activated a phone line for public inquiries and other non-emergency calls related to today's storm. The number is 410-260-2211.

The EOC, which is located the Police Department headquarters, will be operating around the clock for the next 24 hours with senior City staff. Emergency Management Director Kevin Simmons held a briefing with Mayor Cohen, City Manager Michael Mallinoff and other emergency-response staff.

The Department of Public Works has closed the following streets:
Eastport bridge section leading to downtown
Compromise Street from Main to St. Mary's streets
Dock Street/Craig Street area
King George Street from Route 450 to College Avenue has recently been reopened.
Citizens are advised to stay behind barricades for safety. Drivers should NOT attempt to maneuver their vehicles through standing water. More than 40 barricades are in use around the city, including at Compromise Street, where manhole covers have popped off. Several businesses have closed downtown because of flooding.

Public Works has replenished the City’s stockpile of sandbags downtown. Sandbags have also been placed at portions of the Roger “Pip” Moyer Community Recreation Center at Truxtun Park.

Annapolis Transit has modified the following routes:
The Navy Blue line is not running on King George Street.

Brown A and Green routes will not go through downtown to Eastport. Instead, these routes will take the following detour: West Street to Spa Road to Hilltop Lane to Eastport Shopping Center.

Brown B and Yellow routes will not cross the Eastport Bridge into downtown. Instead, they will detour back to the Eastport Shopping Center, to Hilltop Lane and Spa Road to West Street.



There are no expected changes in Annapolis Transit service hours. Riders who have service questions can call the Department of Transportation at 410-263-7964. Updates on service status will be posted on www.annapolis.com/transport



Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. People living in areas that are prone to flash flooding should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action.



Those at significant flood risk are advised to assemble a disaster supplies kit containing:

First aid kit and essential medications.

Canned food and can opener.

At least 3 gallons of water per person.

Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.

Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.

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

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

Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places; a friend's home in another town, a hotel/motel, or a shelter.



The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides additional information on how to prepare for and respond to flooding. Go to: http://bit.ly/adIu8Y.