Heavy Rain Brings High Waters to Several Owings Mills Roadways, Gov. O'Malley Announces State of Emergency

Steady, heavy rain led to high waters along St. Thomas Lane, Garrison Forest Road, Caves Road, Park Heights Avenue and Gwynnbrook Avenue in Owings Mills Thursday.

Rain has been falling in the area since Wednesday, with several weather agencies warning of areal, coastal and flash floods. A flash food alert is in effect until 10:30 p.m. for Owings Mills, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Gov. Martin O'Malley has declared a state of emergency in Maryland, directing people and resources statewide toward flood operations. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency is coordinating the effort of several other agencies from the state emergency operations in Reisterstown.

The flooding is mostly limited to "low-lying areas," said Tim Burgess, Chief of the county Bureau of Highways.

"Most drivers in an area tend to know where these places are," he said.

Aside from staying off the roads completely, officials encourage drivers to consider the following information:

Flooding Facts

•  Swiftly moving floodwaters only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet.
•  Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are people in vehicles. If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
• Roads covered by floodwaters could already be washed away, so don’t drive across roads that are not visible.

After A Flood

• Do not strike a match or use an open flame when you enter a flooded house. Use a flashlight. Escaping gas could cause an explosion, and flammables may be present.
• Watch for live electrical wires. Do not attempt to turn on electrical appliances or lights until an electrician has checked your system.
• Open doors and windows to let air circulate, remove foul odors, and vent built-up gases.
• Pump out the basement if it is flooded, but do so gradually.
• If fresh food or open medications have come in contact with floodwater, throw them out.
• Boil drinking water for at least one minute before using, or use safe bottled water.

Assistant Regional Editor Bryan Sears contributed to this report.