Inland and Coastal Flooding

 

There are two distinct types of road related flooding.The first is inland flooding. View a list  that includes a list of roads prone to inland flooding that has been compiled by Anne Arundel County. Short periods of intense rainfall, or moderate rainfall over an extended period of time, leads to rising levels in area creeks, streams and rivers.  As these water bodies flood their banks and adjacent floodplains, nearby roads in floodplain areas can be impacted. When this occurs, responders from the Fire Department, Police Department, and Department of Public Works work to warn motorists by placing devices such as road signs, safety cones, and reflective drums.  Permanent road signs are also posted along recognized flood areas.

 

Coastal and tidal flooding also impacts our communities from time to time. The most severe coastal flooding is possible during significant storm events such as tropical depressions, tropical storms, or hurricanes.  Such storms can generate very significant tidal surges. More information on predicted impacts of such events is available from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's Baltimore District. Occasionally coastal areas may flood when prevailing winds lead to tidal departures and abnormally high tides. The National Weather Service issues Coastal Flood Advisories and similar products to warn when these conditions are possible. See the National Weather Service for more information on Watches, Warnings or Advisories for Anne Arundel County, Maryland.  Finally, even during periods of normal high tides storm drain outfalls and open ditches may be inundated and cease to function until the next low tide. This can lead to periods of standing water in ditches or at storm drain inlets along roadways.