Press Release: City of Annapolis Makes Preparations for Impacts of Tropical Storm Debby

Press Release

City of Annapolis

Public Information Office

160 Duke of Gloucester Street

Annapolis, Maryland 21401

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media contact: Mitchelle Stephenson, 410-972-7724 or [email protected]

City of Annapolis Makes Preparations for Impacts of Tropical Storm Debby, Set to Move into the Area on Thursday

Annapolis, MD (August 7, 2024) - The City of Annapolis is preparing for the impacts of Tropical Storm Debby, expected to reach the Annapolis area Thursday and into Friday (August 8-9). On Tuesday (August 6), Gov. Wes Moore issued a State of Preparedness Declaration ahead of the potential impacts from this storm system.

TROPICAL STORM DEBBY FORECAST: The National Weather Service forecast predicts the remnants of Hurricane Debby - now a tropical storm - will move into the mid-Atlantic region on Thursday with periods of heavy rain and strong winds. The current track of the storm has it moving west of Washington, DC, through Scranton, PA, and toward Utica, NY. While the storm track may change slightly from the predicted course over the next 48 hours, Annapolis will remain on the east side of the storm. Meteorologists call this the "dirty side" of a storm, due to the impacts of storm surge, strong winds (gusts to 38 MPH), and heavier rain bands - all of which can work together to push more water onto land.

Current predictions for high water, according to the National Weather Service :

• 9:07 p.m. Thursday (high tide): 2.4 ft. to 2.8 ft.
• 8:50 a.m. Friday (high tide): 2.9 ft. to 3.5 ft.
• 9:53 p.m. Friday (high tide): 3.6 ft. or greater

The City is making preparations to deal with flooding, downed trees and potential power outages. If necessary, the Annapolis Department of Planning and Zoning will deploy damage assessment teams, and the Departments of Public Works and Recreation and Parks will mobilize "cut and toss" teams for debris removal. 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.

HARBORMASTER/MARINE INFO: 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 frequently during and after the storm. 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. Make sure your bilge is functioning.

SANDBAGGING AT CITY DOCK: The City of Annapolis Department of Public Works will open a sandbag operation at City Dock (1 Dock Street) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, August 8. This operation is for Annapolis residents and businesses only. Residents and business owners will be asked to show identification. Bags and shovels will be available for this self-service operation. Please note that there is a limit of five sandbags for residents and 10 sandbags for businesses.

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.

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!"

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