ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore is urging Marylanders to exercise extreme caution as severe flash flooding continues to impact parts of the state. Western Maryland, and particularly Allegany County, has experienced significant flooding due to heavy rainfall, prompting evacuations and emergency responses.
Since midnight, the area has received an estimated 4.65 inches of rainfall, with more expected. The North Branch Potomac River in Cumberland is projected to crest at 22.6 feet overnight, marking the highest level since 1996.
“We remain in close contact with local officials and continue to coordinate resources as the rain continues to fall,” said Governor Moore. He emphasized the importance of staying vigilant, heeding local warnings, and prioritizing safety.
Residents are advised to avoid driving on flooded roads and never attempt to bypass barricades. If a barricade is encountered, turn around and find an alternate route.
The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the state’s response. They are in contact with Allegany and Garrett counties to assess the situation and coordinate resource deployment. The MDEM has also deployed swift water rescue teams from Howard, Frederick, and Montgomery counties.
A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for parts of the Baltimore area and southern Harford County.
The MDEM also urges residents to stay informed about weather updates and emergency alerts through various channels like NOAA weather radio, TV, radio, news websites, MdReady, local jurisdiction alerting platforms, government websites, social media, and wireless emergency alerts.
Numerous road closures are in effect in both Garrett and Allegany counties. The latest road closures can be found online here. Select your county and click “road closures.”
The Maryland Department of State Police (MDSP) has deployed troopers from the Cumberland Barrack and Special Operations Division to support state and local efforts. They are assisting with road closures and coordinating law enforcement resources.
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is focusing on recovery and clean-up efforts where safe. Disabled motorists should pull as far off the road as possible, turn on hazard lights, stay in their vehicles, and dial #77 for assistance.
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) reports that the Savage River Dam is operating as expected at Emergency Action Plan Level I due to spillway flow beginning at 5:15 p.m. Officials are closely monitoring the situation.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is assisting with mandatory evacuations and welfare checks in both counties. They have deployed shallow-water boats and are coordinating with the MDSP on road closures.
Emergency shelters have been opened in Allegany and Garrett Counties to assist those displaced 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, Frostburg, MD 21532
- Bloomington VFC – 77 N Branch Ave, Bloomington, MD 21523
The situation is fluid, and residents are encouraged to stay informed about the latest developments through official channels.
Residents are encouraged to report any flooding in their area via MyCoast Maryland. The free MyCoast app allows citizens to share photos and document on-the-ground impacts of flooding and damage that are attributed to rain, storms, or high tides. This information helps the Department of Natural Resources determine how often a community is flooding and where. Download it for iPhone or Android and learn more at mycoast.org/md.
As rain continues to fall, I urge all in Western Maryland to remain vigilant, heed warnings from local officials, and prioritize safety during these flash flood conditions.
If you don’t have to go out, please do not. Stay off the roads if possible and heed any evacuation orders. https://t.co/K8yUMyXksX
— Governor Wes Moore (@GovWesMoore) May 14, 2025
This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.
Photo: Chesterwood Park in Dundalk on May 14, 2025 via the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
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