A flash flood emergency was declared for western Allegany County, Maryland, on Tuesday afternoon as torrential rainfall led to widespread and dangerous flooding. The deluge, which saw between two and five inches of rain fall rapidly over the hilly terrain bordering West Virginia, triggered significant flash flooding along Georges Creek, severely impacting communities like Westernport.
Social media footage dramatically depicted the situation in Westernport, approximately 115 miles west-northwest of Washington, D.C. Rushing floodwaters surged through town, inundating homes and businesses.
The rising waters also surrounded Westernport Elementary School. Allegany County Public Schools confirmed that local emergency services evacuated students from the school as water appeared to have reached the first-floor windows in alarming images shared online.
The rapid rise of Georges Creek was particularly concerning. One river gauge along the creek reported an astonishing seven-foot increase in water levels in just six hours, reaching its highest point since the September 6, 1996, record-breaking flood.
The impact of the intense rainfall extended beyond Westernport. Reports indicated that sections of a road were washed out upstream near Barton, Maryland, along Laurel Run, prompting evacuations in that area. Road closures were also reported in and around Lonaconing, Maryland, further highlighting the widespread nature of the flooding.
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The severity of the situation led the National Weather Service to issue its highest level flash flood alert – a flash flood emergency – for western Allegany County, underscoring the life-threatening conditions.
The effects of the heavy rainfall were also felt in neighboring states. In southwest Pennsylvania, Somerset experienced multiple flooded basements and roads, while several roads were also inundated in Meyersdale, where a rain gauge reportedly measured an astounding six to seven inches of rainfall.
Across the state line in eastern West Virginia, near Keyser, evacuations were triggered as Stony Run overflowed its banks, according to the National Weather Service, adding to the multi-state impact of the severe weather event.
Authorities are urging residents in the affected areas to heed all warnings, avoid driving through floodwaters, and remain in safe locations until the water recedes. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but the immediate priority remains the safety and well-being of those impacted by the flash flooding.
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