Annapolis Underwater: City Dock Submerged After Heavy Rains

Annapolis, Maryland has been grappling with severe flooding on October 31, 2025, as heavy rain and coastal flooding have submerged the city's iconic City Dock. The floodwaters have disrupted traffic, halted deliveries, and forced numerous businesses to either close for the day or open late.

The flooding on Thursday morning was described as one of the worst seen in downtown Annapolis this year. Water levels reached more than 4 feet above the normal low tide, with the City Dock completely disappearing underwater. Cars left parked overnight at the dock were also swamped by the rising tides.

Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley acknowledged the catastrophic impact of the flooding, which cut off access to the Eastport neighborhood when Compromise Street flooded. Buckley stated that the city had initiated short-term fixes, including temporary sump pumps in the storm drains, but the water rushed in too fast and too high for these measures to be effective.

Looking ahead, the mayor revealed Annapolis' long-term plan to raise the City Dock and build it up to 8 feet, creating a new park that would also serve to prevent future flooding. Buckley expressed confidence in this solution, though he recognized that in the immediate aftermath, "you have to let Mother Nature do what it does, then you have to mop up afterward."

Visitors to Annapolis on October 31st found themselves detouring around the flooded areas, unable to access the Naval Academy or walk past the iconic Market House. The flooding has left a significant impact on the city, but Annapolis is determined to find both short-term and long-term solutions to combat the rising tides.