Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Acting Director Matthew W. Garbark asks residents to stay alert as heavy rain  and strong winds are expected to hit the Baltimore area today, Thursday, April 30. 

The National Weather Service forecasts periods of moderate to heavy rain through this afternoon. Heavy rain may lead to minor flooding.

City crews have taken preparedness actions to clear storm drains before the expected strong winds and heavy rains arrive. If you are able to clear storm drains around your property of debris, please do so to prevent flooding.

If you experience a basement backup of sewage, please call 311 to report it immediately. (For additional information on responding to sewage backups, please review the following DPW documents: Handling Sewage Backups, Understanding and Preventing Sewage Backups, and the Sewage Backup Expedited Reimbursement Program.) 

Leaves can become a source of storm inlet blockage. Sweeping leaves and trash from sidewalks, alleys and gutters will keep this material out of the drains. Please do not park on top of storm inlets.

Trash and loose debris should be secured at all times. Loose material can end up entering and clogging storm drains, leading to flooding. Please secure large items such as trash cans and lawn furniture.

Be aware of possible rising water along streams and in low-lying areas. Blocked storm drains may increase the potential for flooding at these locations.

Please follow the storm's progress in the local media. Be especially mindful that power outages caused by storms can lead to water pumping interruptions, so always have bottled water on hand.

For more information on how to prepare for bad weather, visit the Mayor's Office of Emergency Management's website.