Flash Flood Warning Extended For Anne Arundel

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Flash flooding is expected across Anne Arundel County Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service. Officials issued a flash flood warning around 7:30 p.m.; the warning has been extended and is in effect until 7 a.m. on Thursday, July 26.

Weather officials said they issued the flash flood warning because radar showed thunderstorms with heavy rain across the area. Flash flood warnings are issued when flash flooding, or a rapid rise in water level, is imminent or occurring. At 6:54 p.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain which will cause flooding in Baltimore, Harford and Howard counties, as well.

During a flash flood warning, drivers who come across roads covered in water should turn around; don't drown. Those in flood-prone areas should move to higher ground. Pedestrians should not walk through flood waters.

At 10:17 p.m., local law enforcement reported many roads remain blocked by high water.

Locations that may get flooding include Baltimore, Columbia, Bowie, Severn, Annapolis, Pikesville, Crofton, Middle River, Cockeysville, Elkridge, Aberdeen, Havre De Grace, Riviera Beach, Mayo, Naval Academy, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Baltimore-Washington Airport, Fort Smallwood State Park, Gibson Island and Sillery Bay.

A flash flood watch is also in effect for the county until 2 a.m. Thursday.

Since Saturday, BWI Airport has received a total of 10.78 inches of rain; Dulles International Airport has gotten a total of 6.34 inches of rain; and Reagan National Airport had a total of 5.73 inches of rain fall in the last five days, WTOP reports.

Because the ground is already saturated, heavy rain could lead to flash flooding. Roads and poorly drained areas can quickly become inundated during a flash flood.

Streams and creeks could leave their banks, flooding nearby properties. Residents should monitor the forecast and be prepared to take action if a flash flood warning is issued, according to the National Weather Service.

See a map of the latest warnings and watches from the National Weather Service.

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Graphic via the National Weather Service.