Press Release: Winter Storm Event Will Include Some Early Snow Turning to Rain

PRESS RELEASE

Mayor Gavin Buckley

Public Information Office

160 Duke of Gloucester Street

Annapolis, Maryland 21401

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

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

Winter Storm Event Will Include Some Early Snow Turning to Rain, Strong Winds and Coastal Flooding

Reminder: City Offices Closed for MLK Holiday on Monday

ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 16, 2022) - The forecast for Sunday's winter weather will include some snow starting around 3 p.m. on Sunday, turning to rain in the evening and overnight along with strong winds and coastal flooding. According to the National Weather Service, there is a Winter Weather Advisoryin effect until 10 p.m. Sunday and a Coastal Flood Warningin effect through Monday at 7 p.m. Temperatures will warm rapidly after sunset on Sunday, into the mid-40s, but there may be areas of roadway that are frozen late this evening. Exercise caution while driving.

Strong Winds and Flooding:It will be very windy during this storm, with 20-25 MPH sustained winds and gusts to 45 MPH expected. Secure loose objects, such as outdoor furniture, tents, plants, or lawn ornaments that could become projectiles. The wind will also have an impact by pushing water up the Chesapeake Bay and into rivers and tributaries on the Western Shore, causing coastal flooding. High tide overnight is at 4:08 a.m. at City Dock, but expect rising water throughout the storm. Flood levels could reach 3.6 ft MLLW.

City officesare closed on Monday for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

The Annapolis Public Works Department(DPW) is prepared with crews and salt to treat roads beginning at 1 p.m. on Sunday. There is no change to Monday's regularly scheduled refuse and recycling and yard waste collection. For updates or changes to collections, visit: www.annapolis.gov/1024/Refuse-Collection.

Emergency Operations Center Activation: The Annapolis Office of Emergency Management's Emergency Operations Center activation status is "Enhanced." The Annapolis Call Center is also activated to respond to non-emergency inquiries from the public. Annapolis residents can call 410-260-2211 for information on road conditions or for any non-emergency, snow-related questions.

Recreation and Parks:"Pip" Moyer Recreation Center will follow regularly scheduled opening and closing times. For changes to the schedule, please visit the Recreation and Parks FACEBOOK pageor the Pip Moyer FACEBOOK page.The Stanton Center is closed for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday but will be open as a warming center overnight through January 21.

Warming Center Opening: The Stanton Center, at 92 West Washington Street in Annapolis, will be open as a warming center from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. through the morning of January 21st. Please note that masks are required, all COVID-19 safety protocols must be followed, and all referrals must check-in to the Stanton Center nightly by 9 p.m.

Annapolis Transit:At this time, transit routes are operating on a Purple schedule (both Sunday and Monday) and will end operations on time. The State Shuttle will operate on Monday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. For updates or changes to Annapolis Transit, visit: the City's Facebook pageor call 410-263-7964.

Boating/Maritime: The Annapolis Harbormaster asks boat owners to consider pulling boats off of slips onto trailers or moving them to mooring balls. If this is not possible, boat owners should regularly check on their boats. During this weather event, wear a life jacket and complete these checks with a buddy. Docks will be slippery and strong winds could make this a treacherous endeavor. As water rises and falls, docked boats may shift to floating above the pier or lift and may become lodged on fixed structures or atop other boats. If your boat is on a lift, it will need secondary lines. Boaters should also check the height of pilings. Check boats to prevent fuel leaks and property damage. In addition, anchored boats should move to a mooring ball where possible. Boat owners are responsible for vessels that drag anchor and damage other boats or property. Boat owners and marinas should consider turning off electricity to docks as conditions deteriorate.

Turn Around, Don't Drown:Inundation of waters can happen throughout the City, not only in downtown. Please follow any Annapolis Police directives and turn around at road closures. Do not drive through standing water. Do not park in closed parking lots. 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!"

Stay Informed:

• Download the "Prepare Me Annapolis" mobile app to receive important push notifications on your smartphone. The app is available for both Apple and Android devices.

• Sign up for Alert Annapolis, a community notification system. Receive voicemails, text messages, and/or emails in case of emergencies or other events. Find out more at http://alertannapolis.civicready.com

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