Severe Thunderstorms and Flash Floods Slam Baltimore as July Ends
July is wrapping up just as it began, with dangerous weather. Flash flood warnings, intense thunderstorms and as much as six inches of rain are expected Thursday across the Baltimore region.
Storm Preparations Underway
Baltimore and Harford counties remain under a tornado warning until 2 p.m. Thursday.
In Baltimore City, several roads are closing at 2 p.m. due to flooding concerns:
- Aliceanna Street (between Caroline and Bond streets)
- Caroline Street (between Thames and Aliceanna streets)
All outdoor events permitted by Baltimore City Parks and Recreation have been canceled. City pools will close at 2:30 p.m., and recreation centers by 5 p.m.
City schools and Enoch Pratt libraries will also close early, doors shut at 2 p.m.
To help prevent flood damage, Baltimore officials are encouraging residents in flood-prone areas like Harbor East and Fells Point to move their cars to nearby garages, available on a first-come, first-served basis until 9 a.m. Friday:
- Fleet & Eden Garage (501 S. Eden St.)
- Little Italy Garage (400 S. Central Ave.)
The city is also distributing sandbags from 1 to 3 p.m. at:
- Thames St. & Broadway in Fells Point
- Stillmeadow Church (5110 Frederick Ave) in Irvington
- Mervo High School (Hillen Rd & E. 35th St.)
Two emergency shelters will operate at increased capacity from noon Thursday through 9 a.m. Friday:
- Fairfield Inn (101 S. President St.) — for couples and families
- Weinberg Housing & Resource Center (620 Fallsway) — for single adults
Flood Watches in Effect Across the Region
A flood watch is in place for much of Central Maryland, including Baltimore City and the counties of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s.
The National Weather Service warns that the heaviest rainfall is expected between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., with thunderstorms capable of dumping 1 to 2 inches of rain in just 30 minutes. Some areas could see totals of up to six inches.
Meteorologist Kyle Pallozzi from the NWS Baltimore/Washington office said regions like Anne Arundel County have already experienced above-average rainfall this month.
Travel and Safety Concerns
Authorities are urging drivers not to attempt to cross flooded roads.
Howard County Police are implementing special parking restrictions in Ellicott City, an area that experienced deadly flooding in 2016 and 2018. Starting at 1 p.m., parking is banned on Main Street (from Ellicott Mills Drive to the Patapsco River bridge) and along Maryland Avenue. Street closures may follow if conditions worsen.
Weather could also impact traffic on the Bay Bridge later today. The Maryland Transportation Authority warns that heavy rain could delay eastbound traffic and prevent two-way travel across the bridge.
Extreme Heat Adds to the Threat
While flooding poses a major threat, the heat remains dangerously high. Temperatures Thursday are expected to hit 97 degrees, with the heat index pushing 106. The Baltimore City Health Department has extended its Code Red Extreme Heat Alert through Thursday.
After the storms, however, there’s relief ahead. A cold front is expected to push through, bringing cooler, less humid air just in time for the weekend.
Severe Thunderstorms and Flash Floods Slam Baltimore as July Ends was originally published on wolbbaltimore.com
