Flood Warnings Issued Across Maryland: Turn Around; Don't Drown

BALTIMORE, MD — A flood warning is in effect for several jurisdictions across Maryland due to thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rain. Up to an inch of rain has fallen already, and radar shows heavy rain is still falling across the region as of 8:24 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Locations that may experience flooding are Baltimore, Columbia, Pikesville, Middle River, Elkridge, Damascus, Millers Island, North Point State Park, Sparrows Point, Back River, Glen Burnie, Ellicott City, Dundalk, Towson, Catonsville, Essex, Woodlawn, Randallstown, Parkville and Eldersburg.

The following areas are under the flood warning until 11:30 p.m.

• Anne Arundel
• Baltimore City
• Baltimore County
• Carroll County
• Frederick County
• Harford County
• Howard County
• Montgomery County

Most flood deaths occur in vehicles, and drivers are encouraged not to drive through water if the depth is unknown; turn around, don't drown.

More than a dozen water rescues had been reported in Frederick County, which is under a flash flood warning, weather officials said. Around 3 inches of rain had already fallen as of 8:30 p.m. and flash flooding was occurring.

Six, including this child, were rescued from three vehicles trapped in floodwater at the intersection of N Market St and Schifferstadt Blvd in #FrederickMD. @frednewspost pic.twitter.com/nrQfrPeD53
— Graham Cullen (@FNP_Cullen) May 16, 2018

The Chesapeake Bay is under a special marine warning from Sandy Point to North Beach until 10:15 p.m.

PREVIOUS REPORT — A flood warning is in effect until 2 a.m. on Wednesday for several jurisdictions in central Maryland. After 8 p.m., the National Weather Service said that up to an inch of rain had already fallen, and radar showed thunderstorms were producing heavy rain in the area.

The following are under the flood warning until 2 a.m.:

• Baltimore County
• Carroll County
• Frederick County
• Harford County

Locations that may experience flooding during the flood warning period include Pikesville, Cockeysville, Aberdeen, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Towson, Bel Air South, Randallstown, Parkville, Owings Mills, Eldersburg, Carney, Perry Hall, Reisterstown, Mays Chapel, Timonium, White Marsh, Mount Airy, Fallston, Riverside and Hampton, weather officials advise.

People should not drive through waters where the depth is unclear. Turn around; don't drown.

PREVIOUS REPORT: A line of storms was located just before 7:30 p.m. from Aberdeen Proving Ground to Point of Rocks, moving south at 20 mph.

There may be quarter-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts.

Locations impacted include Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown, Frederick, Pikesville, Middle River,
Cockeysville, Damascus, Aberdeen, Havre de Grace, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Harry Grove Stadium, Back River, Ellicott City, Dundalk, Towson, Bel Air South, Catonsville, Essex and Woodlawn, weather officials say.

The severe thunderstorm warning is effective until 8 p.m. for the following, where people are warned to go inside to stay protected from wind and lightning:

• Baltimore City
• Baltimore County
• Carroll County
• Frederick County
• Harford County
• Howard County
• Montgomery County

Trees may fall from winds, so move to an interior room on the lowest floor. Do not drive under trees until the threat has passed.

PREVIOUS REPORT: A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for several counties, on the heels of a severe thunderstorm watch. The warning is in effect until 7:15 p.m.

Northeastern Carroll, northern Harford and northwestern Baltimore counties are included in the warning, which calls for storms with 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-sized hail.

Nickel-sized hail was reported in Whiteford, the National Weather Service advised after 6:30 p.m.

A line of severe thunderstorms extended from Rock Springs to Manchester and was moving south at 15 mph, officials said.

People should move indoors to stay safe from wind and lightning until the severe thunderstorm warning expires at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15.

Trees may fall from winds, so move to an interior room on the lowest floor. Do not drive under trees until the threat has passed.

Localized power outages may occur, and roads could become blocked.

Locations impacted include Havre de Grace, Bel Air South, Bel Air North, Fallston, Hampstead, Manchester, Jarrettsville, Pylesville, Darlington, Carrollton, Freeland, Upperco, Cardiff, Churchville, Norrisville, Bentley Springs, Forest Hill, Street, Butler and Monkton.

The severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 11 p.m. and the flash flood watch is effective until 1 a.m.

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