Flash Flood Warning Issued For Baltimore City

BALTIMORE, MD — A flash flood warning is in effect until 7 a.m. Thursday for Baltimore. The warning applies to Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Harford County, Howard County and Anne Arundel County.

Law enforcement reported many roads were blocked by high water as of 10:17 p.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Areas that may experience flooding during the flood warning period are 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.

The Maryland Transit Administration issued an advisory for commuters after 11:30 p.m. Wednesday preparing riders for delays on Thursday.

"MARC Train passengers should anticipate and plan for delays tomorrow due to ongoing heavy rainfall and severe weather, which is causing track, signal and switch problems on all three lines. Delays of 15-30 minutes are possible on all trains," the Maryland Transit Administration said in a statement.

Here are some of the issues officials outlined, including the potential for domino-effect delays:

• Penn Line trains will be delayed out of Baltimore because they must operate at reduced speeds in the tunnel between Penn Station and West Baltimore due to water accumulation.
• There is a track washout near Halethorpe on the southbound track as of 11 p.m. Wednesday. Amtrak is working to make repairs, but if they are not completed before the morning rush hour, trains will have to operate on the middle track between West Baltimore and BWI, which will result in extensive delays. Mid to late morning Penn Line trains (419, 421, 423 and 523) are likely to experience additional delays since these trains make earlier runs south to Washington, back to Baltimore, then south on a second trip to Washington. Delays on the first trip “domino effect” to the subsequent trips.

The Professor & I have been battling the elements, doing the best we can to clean our Harbor. I've collected 16 dumpsters this week!

As you can see, we aren't enough. That's why we need you to prevent trash from getting into our waterways in the first place! pic.twitter.com/ZINacPFViZ
— Mr. Trash Wheel (@MrTrashWheel) July 25, 2018

Flash flooding was expected across both Baltimore City and Baltimore County Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service. Officials issued a flash flood warning around 7:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.

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.

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.

Locations that may get flooding include Baltimore, Pikesville, Middle River, Cockeysville, Millers Island, North Point State Park, Sparrows Point, Back River, Dundalk, Towson, Catonsville, Essex, Woodlawn, Randallstown, Parkville, Owings Mills, Eldersburg, Carney, Milford Mill and Perry Hall.

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.

Graphic via the National Weather Service.