Conowingo Dam Gates Open, Evacuations End

CECIL COUNTY, MD — Exelon has opened several gates at the Conowingo Dam to manage the increased flow of the Susquehanna River after several days of heavy rain. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported that record amounts of rain have produced historic flows at the dam — more than 300,000 cubic feet per second — and warned people to avoid the water downstream.

“It is vitally important that anglers and boaters avoid the area downstream of the dam as heavy flows and accompanying marine debris – both submerged and superficial – can pose a serious threat to people and vessels,” Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said in a statement Thursday evening.

“We expect the issue to continue through the weekend," Belton said, "and ask that people steer clear of the Upper Bay until it is safe to navigate and recreate.”

With more rain in the forecast over the next week, authorities say they are monitoring the dam conditions.

Exelon, the utility company that owns the dam, reported 20 spill gates were open at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, and the Conowingo Dam was operating under spill conditions. By 4:30 a.m. Friday, the number had decreased to 16 spill gates open.

The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the Susquehanna River below the Conowingo Dam, a warning that continues until further notice.

"Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas," weather officials warned. "The water may be deeper than you think it is."

The town of Port Deposit issued a voluntary evacuation notice for residents, and so did the town of Perryville.

In Port Deposit, Bainbridge Elementary School was opened as a shelter for flood evacuees, and when it was not being utilized, Cecil County officials said they opened an evacuation center in Perryville instead.

Perryville Mayor Robert Ashby Jr. advised waterfront residents to move their vehicles to higher ground.

The Susquehanna River had surpassed flood stage as of 9:30 a.m. Thursday, according to officials, who said it was at 24.9 feet and moderate flooding was occurring.

Flood stage is 23.5 feet, officials said.

Backyards and basements on Main Street and Tome's Landing in Port Deposit will flood at 24.8 feet, weather officials said.

By 7:30 p.m. Thursday, weather officials reported the river was at 25.9 feet, and the Susquehanna River was expected to rise to near 26 feet by Friday morning.

"This crest compares to a previous crest of 26.2 feet on March 23, 1994," according to the flood warning.

By midnight, the Cecil County Department of Emergency Services reported the river had crested.

• Conowingo Dam Gates Open, 2 Towns End Voluntary Evacuation
• Route 222 Reopens In Cecil County
• Voluntary Evacuation In Port Deposit Announced
• Flood Evacuees Directed To Perryville Firehouse: Cecil County

As conditions change and more rain is on the way, Exelon officials say they are closely monitoring the river.

See the latest information about the Conowingo Dam water levels from the National Weather Service.

Main photo of Conowingo Dam by Jeff Long, used with permission. Still pictures from CHART traffic cameras Wednesday evening and Thursday morning on US 1 at Conowingo Dam.