Baltimore City dealing with flooding

Overnight, there were reports of at least a dozen downed trees in the city, and as the sun rose and people awoke from their superstorm slumber, more reports were expected.

The concerns continue to the be the same shared prior to the attack from Hurricane Sandy, still strong with hurricane force winds, but now a post-tropical low pressure system.

Downed power lines, toppled trees, impassible roads and a surge in the harbor are among the largest concerns of city officials.

At a special press conference Tuesday, Baltimore City mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake advised residents to avoid areas of standing water and to clean debris from their property. In the meantime, she said, city crews are at work.

"We have people that are continuing to monitor flood conditions," she said.

Currently there is flooding in Fells Point, Hampden, Jones Falls and other low-lying areas in the city.

As of 9:20 a.m., there were more than 45,000 power outages in Baltimore City. ( more )

The mayor said city government/administrative offices will reopen Wednesday. She also said he Charm City Circulator would resume service.

UPDATE | The Key and Hatem Bridges have reopened. The Tydings Bridge, Nice Bridge and all Baltimore tunnels are open. The Bay Bridge has also reopened ( more ).

Fells Point flooding
Fells Point is full of closed roads and flooded streets.  A tidal surge at around 7:45 a.m. spilled water on the roadways.  This area is prone to flooding and often gets flooded. Police officers and emergency responders have been deployed on the streets to help where needed.

Baltimore City mandatory travel restriction
Yesterday the mayor announced a mandatory travel restriction for city roadways.
The restriction began Monday night at 6 pm and runs until noon Tuesday. This restriction does not include uniformed personnel-- hospital employees and other medical providers.
Baltimore City has opened six emergency shelters for people displaced because of Superstorm Sandy. Right now the number one focus is keeping people safe.

MTA service suspended
The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) suspended service on Tuesday due to Hurricane Sandy. Later, the MTA said limited service would be restored at noon. ( more )