Floodwaters Submerge Downtown Annapolis, Closing Roads

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Downtown Annapolis is underwater Saturday, Oct. 12, thanks to a combination of seasonal high tides, a stalled tropical storm off the eastern seaboard and a full moon. City officials were prompted to closed Spa Creek Bridge and Compromise Street among other roadways because of high water levels.

Annapolis City police spokeswoman Amy Miguez told the Capital Gazette that residents should expect the bridge that connects Eastport and downtown to remain closed into the night as tides continue to rise. Drivers may cross into Eastport from Duke of Gloucester Street, Miguez said, but traffic the other direction isn’t allowed to cross due to Compromise being closed. Dock Street is also closed due to Boat Show activities.

The Annapolis Harbormaster has asked boat owners to check in on their boats.

“As the waters recede, it is important for boat owners to check boats regularly," said Beth Bellis, Annapolis Harbormaster, in a statement. “Many boats may be floating above the piers or lifts where they are docked. Boats may have shifted. As water levels return to normal, boats could have become lodged on fixed structures or other boats. This can result in the vessel taking on water or sinking. Please check your boats to prevent fuel leaks or property damage.”.

City officials stated that residents can expect the flooding to ease after high tide Sunday morning. The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood warning in effect through 11 a.m. Sunday and a coastal flood watch in effect through Sunday evening affecting the shoreline in Anne Arundel County. The tidal departure is anticipated to be two to three feet above normal. Subtropical storm Melissa, a combination of a nor’easter and a tropical storm, has been stalled several hundred miles off the eastern seaboard Saturday, which is having an impact in Annapolis.