Storm Batters Baltimore With Flooding, Outages and Emergency Preparations

Baltimore, MD – March 17, 2026 – Baltimore is beginning to dry out Tuesday after a powerful storm system swept through the region over several days, drenching neighborhoods, toppling tree limbs and leaving thousands in the dark.

The storm brought rounds of heavy rain and strong wind gusts that intensified into Monday, creating hazardous travel conditions and prompting emergency preparations across Maryland.

State of preparedness declared

On March 15, Governor Wes Moore declared a statewide state of preparedness as forecasts warned of significant impacts. The move allowed state agencies to coordinate resources in advance of the storm and position crews where they were most likely to be needed.

As conditions worsened, several schools announced early closures for Monday, citing safety concerns for students and staff. Officials urged residents to limit unnecessary travel during the height of the storm.

Flooding and wind damage in the city

In Baltimore, steady bands of heavy rain led to localized flooding, particularly in low-lying neighborhoods and waterfront areas. Ponding water made some streets difficult to navigate, while storm drains struggled to keep up at times.

Strong wind gusts compounded the problems. Tree limbs were knocked down across parts of the city, and scattered property damage was reported. Emergency crews responded to debris blocking roadways and addressed reports of hazardous conditions as the worst weather moved through Monday.

More than 16,000 without power

Power outages mounted as winds peaked. By 11 p.m. Monday, more than 16,000 Baltimore Gas and Electric customers in the city and surrounding areas were without electricity.

Utility crews worked overnight to restore service as winds gradually subsided. Residents were reminded to avoid downed power lines and to report outages through official channels rather than approaching damaged equipment.

By Tuesday morning, the most intense conditions had moved out of the area. City officials continued damage assessments and cleanup efforts, encouraging residents to remain cautious around standing water, weakened trees and any lingering debris.

For many across Baltimore, the focus now shifts from riding out the storm to recovering from it — clearing branches, checking basements and waiting for the last lights to flicker back on.