Coastal Flood Warning, Wind Advisory Issued For Harford County

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — High winds and coastal flooding are possible in Harford County in the next couple of days, according to the National Weather Service. It placed Harford County under a coastal flood warning Thursday to Saturday and issued a wind advisory for Friday.

Major flooding is possible in the Baltimore metro area Friday and Saturday as a large storm system moves through the Mid-Atlantic then New England, according to the National Weather Service.

"One of the biggest tidal flood events of the past 10-20 years (possibly since Hurricane Isabel at some locales), is expected Friday & Saturday," forecasters from the National Weather Service's Baltimore/Washington bureau advised. "Those along tidal shores should get ready for exceptional tidal inundation!"

While tides are already elevated, forecasters said Thursday night, they are likely to be the highest Friday during the day through Saturday morning. All tidal shores of Maryland, D.C. and northern Virginia will see high water levels, according to authorities.

A coastal flood warning is in effect from 4 p.m. Thursday until 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30, for Harford County.

Moderate tidal flooding is possible, and major flooding cannot be ruled out in a few locations.

Forecasters are calling for 2 to 3 feet of inundation, with the potential for flooding highest around high tide. High tide in Havre de Grace is 4:36 p.m. and 4:12 a.m.

At 6 feet, the marina office and surrounding areas at the Havre de Grace Yacht Basin flood, and so do Hutchins Park and the parking lot at Roberts Park, according to the warning, which says the dock at Pier Number 1 would also be covered by water.

Drivers should allow extra time and not drive around barricades or through waters of unknown depth.

A wind advisory is also in effect for Harford County and several surrounding jurisdictions due to the potential for east winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts around 50 to 55 mph.

The wind advisory takes effect from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 29.

Winds will be strongest along the Chesapeake Bay and Patapsco River, according to the advisory, which applies to Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Harford counties and Baltimore City.

In particular, the advisory specified these areas may be impacted: Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Annapolis, Severn, South Gate, Severna Park, Arnold, Odenton, and Aberdeen.

During this time, tree limbs may blow down, and power outages could occur. Drivers should keep both hands on the wheel, especially those in high-profile vehicles.

"Locally damaging wind gusts from heavier showers or an isolated thunderstorm are possible Friday afternoon and early evening. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out across southern Maryland," according to a hazardous weather outlook for the region.

A gale warning is in effect Friday for all waters from 8 p.m. Friday through Saturday morning.

Several Coastal Flood Warnings have been issued along the Chesapeake Bay and Tidal Potomac River. Water levels are already on the rise and will only rise more throughout the day today and into Friday. Tidal inundation levels of 2-4 feet are expected in low-lying coastal areas. pic.twitter.com/dObvOQdto8
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) October 28, 2021