ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Wes Moore is urging Marylanders to stay vigilant and exercise extreme caution amid the ongoing flash flooding in Western Maryland. Heavy rainfall has led to significant flooding, particularly in Allegany County, prompting evacuations and emergency response. 

The area’s rainfall is estimated at about 4.65 inches since midnight last night, with additional rainfall expected throughout the evening. Forecasting of the North Branch Potomac River in Cumberland is expected to reach 22.6 feet overnight, which would mark the highest river crest since 1996. 

"We remain in close contact with local officials and continue to coordinate resources as the rain continues to fall,” said Governor Moore. ”I urge all Marylanders to remain vigilant, heed warnings from local officials, and prioritize safety during this time. If you don’t have to go out, please do not go out. Stay off the roads if possible and heed any evacuation orders.” 

Residents are reminded to avoid driving on flooded roadways and never go around barricades. If motorists encounter a barricade, they are advised to turn around and find an alternate route. 

The Maryland Department of Emergency Management activated the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the State’s response:

Maryland Department of Emergency Management

• The department convened a Statewide Emergency Management Call at 8 p.m. with Allegany and Garrett counties and relevant State agencies to assess weather forecast implications and resource deployment within local jurisdictions and will continue to coordinate calls as necessary for updates.
• The department will continue to amplify both local jurisdictions’ and State agencies’ messaging.
• The department is encouraging residents to stay alert and have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts:
• NOAA Weather radio
• TV, radio, and news websites 
• MdReady or local jurisdiction alerting platforms 
• Government websites and social media channels
• Wireless emergency alerts through cell phones

Maryland Department of State Police

• Maryland State Troopers from the Cumberland Barrack and Special Operations Division are deployed throughout the region, supporting both state and local partners.
• Coordinating road closures in the area remains a priority. 
• Command staff are part of local emergency operations centers in both Allegany and Garrett counties, coordinating law enforcement resources as necessary. 
• Special Operations Command is in the process of moving additional resources to Allegany County, should the need arise for additional support. 
• MDSP is reminding all members of the public of the various road closures, to avoid the area where possible and to call 911 with emergencies.

Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration

• Crews are focused on recovery and clean-up in areas where it is safe to proceed.
• MDOT SHA is advising disabled motorists to pull as far off the road as possible, activate hazard lights, stay in their vehicles, and dial #77 for help.

 Maryland Department of the Environment 

• The Savage River Dam remains stable and is operating as expected, currently at Emergency Action Plan Level I due to spillway flow that began around 5:15 p.m. 
• Officials are monitoring conditions closely and remain in communication with dam operators.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources 

• Maryland Natural Resources Police is assisting with mandatory evacuations and welfare checks in Garrett and Allegany counties.
• Officers are taking evacuees to the Eastern Garrett Volunteer Fire Department and assisted in the evacuation of Westernport and George’s Creek Elementary Schools.
• NRP shallow-water boats have been staged alongside officers at Midland Volunteer Fire Department in Frostburg and Eastern Garrett Volunteer Fire Department in Finzel.
• NRP is assisting the Maryland Department of State Police with road closures in Garrett and Allegany counties.
• Maryland Park Service response teams are on standby.

Howard County, Frederick County, and Montgomery County have each deployed swift water rescue teams through the State’s emergency assistance program.

Road Closures
There are several road closures in both Garrett and Allegany counties. This is a fluid situation. For the latest information, visit chart.maryland.gov/Incidents/GetIncidents, select the county, and click on "road closures."

Gas Lines
Allegany County Emergency Services reported that floodwaters have caused washouts and gas line leaks. If residents smell gas inside the home, they are urged to call 9-1-1 immediately and stay clear of areas where gas odors are present.

Emergency Shelters and Resources
Emergency shelters have been opened in Allegany and Garrett Counties to assist those affected by the flooding:

Allegany
Midland Fire Department Hall - 14823 Broadway Ave, Midland, MD 21542
Barton Fire Department - 19202 Legislative Rd SW, Barton, MD 21521

Garrett
Eastern Garrett County VFD - 401 Fenzel Rd, Frosburg, MD 21532
Bloomington VFC - 77 N Branch Ave, Bloomington, MD 21523

Stay Informed and Prepared
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared by having multiple ways of receiving alerts. 

To sign up for local emergency alerts:

Allegany County: alleganygov.org/AlertCenter.aspx

Garrett County: garrettcountymd.gov/citizen/auth/create-account. In the portal, opt-in on any type of alert available. An address is required as some of the alerts can be filtered by specific location.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.?