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3h ago

Flash Flooding in Western Maryland Prompts School Evacuations and Emergency Response

Over 200 students and staff were rescued as Allegany County faced severe flooding, with ongoing road closures and rising water levels.

Members of the Oakland Volunteer Fire Dept rescue students in Westernport, Md., on May 13, 2025.
Cars are submerged in a parking lot of Westernport Elementary School as flooding forces the evacuation of the school, and downtown homes and businesses were inundated with rising floodwaters in rural Westernport, Md., Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (Aaron Stallings via AP)
Cars in floodwaters in Westernport, Md., on Tuesday.

Overview

  • Heavy rainfall exceeding 5 inches caused flash flooding in Allegany County, Maryland, leading to a rare flash flood emergency declaration.
  • Rescue boats evacuated approximately 150 students and 50 staff members from Westernport Elementary School as water reached the building's second floor.
  • Georges Creek Elementary students were relocated to a high school, while Westmar Middle School students sheltered in place due to flooding concerns.
  • No injuries have been reported, but widespread road closures and reports of stranded residents have complicated rescue and recovery efforts.
  • Local officials are requesting state emergency aid as additional rainfall is expected, with flood risks persisting across the region.