Water Rescues In Arbutus Reported

ARBUTUS, MD — The swift-water rescue team out of Arbutus was called to two incidents one after another Friday night, officials said. Both were located along Leeds Avenue.

Multiple people were trapped in a vehicle on Maiden Choice Lane at Leeds Avenue, according to the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department.

After 6:30 p.m., Arbutus fire officials said the people inside the vehicle were out, and its crews were on to the next call — another water rescue on Leeds Avenue.

The rescue calls came as the area was under a flash flood warning issued by the National Weather Service, in effect for southwestern Baltimore County and Baltimore City until 8:45 p.m. on Friday, July 27.

A flash flood warning means that flash flooding — a rapid rise in water level — is occurring or imminent.

During a flash flood warning, drivers should turn around if they come across flooded roads with water of unknown depth, and pedestrians should not attempt to walk through flood waters.

Flash flooding is already occurring and will continue, the National Weather Service advised at 7 p.m. Weather officials say rapid rainfall has created a very dangerous situation in southwestern Baltimore City and county.

Authorities said that 2 to 3 inches of rain fell in a short period of time, with more than 1.5 inches of rain reported in the southwestern quarter of Baltimore City in a half-hour period before 6 p.m.

Weather officials say that runoff from the recent heavy rainfall will cause flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, underpasses, drainage areas and other low-lying spots. Streams have risen substantially due to heavy rain, officials reported.

These are the locations where flash flooding was occurring or anticipated Friday night: Baltimore, Pikesville, Elkridge, Dundalk, Towson, Catonsville, Woodlawn, Randallstown, Parkville, Carney, Milford Mill, Perry Hall, Lochearn, Arbutus, Rosedale, Rossville, Brooklyn Park, White Marsh, Linthicum and Garrison.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 10 p.m., and a flash flood watch remains until 11 p.m. Friday.

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

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