Flash Flood Emergency in Maryland, 12-year-old missing in Virginia floodwaters

A Flash Flood Emergency was issued for western Maryland on Tuesday, May 13, as heavy rain brought flash floods to parts of the Northeast. The emergency affected Westernport, where about 130 mm (5 inches) of rain fell during the afternoon, with rainfall rates between 25 and 50 mm (1 to 2 inches) per hour.

The floods forced evacuations at three schools in Allegany County.

More than 200 people from Georges Creek Elementary and Westernport Elementary schools were evacuated to Mountain Ridge High School and a church in Westernport. Westmar Middle School was also evacuated later in the day.

In addition to rescues at the school, there were reports of stranded residents in homes, businesses, and cars.

The Allegany County Department of Emergency Services reported that 21 rescue boats and swift water teams, along with personnel from 24 agencies across nine counties in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, were actively assisting with relief efforts.

The agency reported that rivers and streams in the area were extremely high but had not yet exceeded flood levels as of 23:00 local time (LT) on Tuesday. However, the Potomac River was expected to exceed flood levels by Wednesday morning, May 14.

Multiple roads across Allegany County were rendered impassable due to floodwaters, including Laurel Run Road. County officials urged citizens to avoid all flooded roadways and not attempt to drive through standing water.

Meanwhile, a 12-year-old boy was reported missing on Tuesday evening after being swept away by floodwaters in northwest Virginia. Albemarle County Fire Rescue and the local police responded to reports of the child being swept away by floodwaters from a creek near the Newton Road and Valley Green Drive area.

Following more than three hours of water operations, first responders paused the search due to limited visibility in the overnight hours and the safety of all those involved. The search will resume during daylight hours on Wednesday.

Rishav Kothari

Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.

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