Flood Warning Extended for Howard, Anne Arundel Counties

UPDATED at 10:55 a.m. COLUMBIA, MD — With an inch of rain already on the ground early Thursday, predictions of 1 to 3 inches more likely, and river levels rising, the National Weather Service has extended a flood warning for parts of Howard and Anne Arundel counties.

The flood warning is in effect until 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29. Drivers should be aware of standing water, and if they encounter flooded roadways, motorists are encouraged to turn around; don't drown.

The National Weather Service says gauges at 10:44 a.m. showed water rising on area rivers, especially the Little Patuxent and Patapsco Rivers. These streams could approach their flood levels early Thursday afternoon, especially if more heavy rain saturates the area. An updated forecast says that there will be a bit of a breather, but heavy rains of 1 to 3 inches are likely between noon and 8 p.m. Thursday.

Locations that could experience flooding include: Columbia, Severn, Elkridge, Baltimore-Washington Airport, Ellicott City, Odenton, Laurel, Fort Meade, Savage, Linthicum, Jessup, Glenelg, Clarksville and Simpsonville.

Weather officials issued the flood warning after radar picked up thunderstorms producing heavy rain that will cause flooding.

See Also: Flash Flood Threat Moved Up, Tips to Prepare

An earlier flood warning that runs through 11 a.m. applies to the following areas: Carroll (south central), Montgomery and Prince George's (northwestern) counties as well as the District of Columbia.

Cities that may be affected include Arlington, Alexandria, Germantown, Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Bowie, Severn, Olney, College Park, Fort Washington, Greenbelt, Langley Park, Beltsville, Elkridge, Damascus, Coral Hills, Bladensburg and National Harbor, according to the weather service.

A flash flood watch is in effect until 8 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 30, with 4 to 8 inches of rain expected.

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