Annapolis Flood Preparedness and Safety

The City of Annapolis is prone to both nuisance and flash flooding, particularly between March, and September. Residents and visitors should be aware of the risks and take steps to prepare for potential flooding events. The Annapolis Office of Emergency Management (OEM) plays a crucial role in enhancing community safety, resilience, and preparedness.

Understanding Flood Risks in Annapolis

Annapolis’s coastal location makes it susceptible to several types of flooding:

• Nuisance Flooding: This type of coastal flooding occurs at any time of year, but is most common from March to September. It typically causes public inconvenience due to high tide levels, particularly in low-lying areas like downtown Annapolis/City Dock, Compromise Street, and 2nd Street in Eastport.
• Flash Flooding: Annapolis can experience flash floods throughout the year, with peak risk during the same March-September period. These floods are often linked to the city’s proximity to the Severn River, Annapolis Harbor, and Spa Creek.
• Urban Flooding: Similar to flash flooding, urban flooding is a common occurrence in Annapolis.

Flood Warning Descriptions

The following flood warning descriptions are used to alert the public:

• Flood Watch: Flooding is possible in the area.
• Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon.
• Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible.
• Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.

Preparedness and Resources

The City of Annapolis OEM offers several resources to help residents prepare for and respond to flooding:

• Alert Annapolis: Receive real-time emergency alerts via text message, email, pager, or voice mail through the Alert Annapolis system.
• Prepare Me Annapolis App: Access disaster preparedness resources through the Prepare Me Annapolis app.
• Annapolis Food Fridays: A program supporting resident resiliency efforts.
• Emergency Operations Center (EOC): The OEM manages the city’s EOC, coordinating citywide recovery and developing mitigation strategies.

Warming Centers

When temperatures drop below freezing, the Annapolis OEM activates overnight warming centers. To sign up for notifications about warming centers, call the OEM at 410-216-9167.

Staying Informed and Building Resilience

The Annapolis OEM works closely with local, state, and federal agencies to equip the community for diverse hazards. By supporting residents, businesses, and city services, the OEM promotes a culture of preparedness and resilience. Residents are encouraged to explore available resources to stay informed and ready to help keep Annapolis safe.

Contact Information

For more information about emergency preparedness and flood safety, contact the City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management: https://www.annapolis.gov/260/Office-of-Emergency-Management