Severe Flash Flooding Strikes Western Maryland

Severe flooding caused significant disruption in Western Maryland, with vehicles partially submerged.

News Summary

Severe flash flooding in Western Maryland has led to urgent evacuations from schools and chaos in the community. Emergency services are deployed to rescue individuals trapped by rising waters. Reports indicate that many students and adults were evacuated, while local officials declared a flash flood emergency. The flooding posed dangers to residents, with vehicles submerged in floodwaters and schools closed in response to hazardous conditions. The community is rallying for support as they face the aftermath of this extreme weather event.

Severe Flash Flooding Strikes Western Maryland

Severe flash flooding took a toll on the community in Western Maryland, causing **major disruptions and urgent evacuations** from local elementary schools. Residents faced scenes that most would only expect to see in movies as the floods swept through the region.

A Mother’s Race Against Time

Alley Wade, a nurse working in Oakland, was doing her best to help others when she received devastating news: her sons’ school, Westernport Elementary, was under water. Just **30 minutes away**, panic set in as a police officer told her she couldn’t get close to the school. This was just the beginning of a day filled with anxiety and worry.

Rescue Operations Underway

As the scenes unfolded, **15 boats** were deployed to assist in emergency evacuations. A total of **approximately 150 students** and **50 adults** were rescued from the school, while reports indicated that the water inside had risen nearly to the **ceiling** on the first floor. Alley later shared heart-wrenching videos that showed vehicles floating helplessly in the flooded school parking lot.

Children’s Survival Amidst Chaos

Through the chaos, Alley watched in relief as her oldest son, **William**, was rescued from the school. Both he and his younger brother, **Quinton**, emerged from the ordeal with soaked pants up to their knees but overall unharmed. After being reunited at a nearby church, the brothers had varied reactions; William was understandably upset and clung to his mother, while Quinton appeared to be having fun with the unexpected adventure.

Impact on Teachers and Local Community

Unfortunately, the flooding also took a toll on the school faculty, with accounts of some teachers’ cars submerged in floodwaters. It was a **frightening experience** for many, particularly for Alley, though her husband recalled similar flooding back in **1996**. This recent episode, however, exceeded anything they had previously experienced.

Emergency Services Respond

While **no injuries** were reported among those evacuated, there were accounts of individuals getting trapped in their homes and vehicles. Emergency rescue teams from nearby counties came to assist in evacuating those in distress. Local officials declared a **flash flood emergency** for Westernport and nearby areas, including **Barton** and **Piedmont**, as rising waters surged unexpectedly.

Weather Warnings and Community Measures

By **5 p.m. ET on Tuesday**, the beloved Georges Creek reached **moderate flood levels** of 12.12 feet after rising over **7 feet** in just six hours—a shocking development for residents. Despite a decrease in rainfall rates, more rain was anticipated later that afternoon and into Wednesday. Consequently, a flash flood warning remained active for several neighboring areas, including **Grantsville, Keyser, and Piedmont**.

Mayor’s Call for Assistance

Mayor Judy Hamilton pointed out that while the region has a history of heavy flooding, the speed with which this flooding occurred left many shocked. She quickly reached out to **Maryland Governor** Wes Moore, seeking emergency aid for the town, emphasizing the community’s immediate and pressing needs.

Broader Flood Impact

The severe flooding didn’t confine itself to just one town. Social media showcased flooded scenes across the area, with cars floating away and roads being overtaken by rushing waters. Flooding was also reported in **Somerset County, Pennsylvania**, showcasing the wide-reaching effects of this extreme weather event.

School Closures and Safety Precautions

In response to the hazardous conditions caused by the floods, the Allegany school system dismissed schools early and canceled after-school activities. Public schools in Allegany County were closed altogether the following day, reinforcing the community’s commitment to safety amidst such unprecedented weather turmoil.