Western Maryland flooding: More than 100 rescue calls in 2 hours

On Saturday, unprecedented Western Maryland flooding happended. There are over 100 rescue calls within a mere two-hour window that is an emergency volume that typically occurs over an entire day. 

The area, located just north of Washington, D.C., was battered by intense rainfall from a powerful storm system that caused rapid and severe flash flooding. 

Unprecedented flooding in Western Maryland

Key areas such as Silver Spring, Maryland, and Great Falls, Virginia, bore the brunt of this extreme weather, with water levels rising quickly and trapping numerous residents inside buildings and vehicles. 

In response to the severity of the situation, the National Weather Service issued a historic flash flood emergency alert for Silver Spring and its surrounding regions. 

This alert, the most critical flood warning available, had never before been issued in the D.C. metropolitan area since it was introduced in 2003.

Flood sensors along Sligo Creek recorded water levels rising by as much as 10 feet within just 30 minutes. 

Rainfall measurements throughout the region showed significant variation but consistently high amounts falling in a very short span: 

• Tacoma Park received between 2.5 and 3.5 inches of rain; 

• Silver Spring recorded 3.5 to 4.5 inches; 

• Chevy Chase saw up to 2.5 inches; 

• Great Falls experienced as much as 3.5 inches. 

Although these totals might not seem remarkable at first glance, the rapid accumulation in roughly 1-1.5 hours resulted in an overwhelmingly intense rain rate.

It overwhelmed local drainage systems and waterways.

The Western Maryland flooding prompted dozens of water rescue operations throughout the evening. 

One notable incident involved approximately 20 individuals trapped inside a Chevy Chase building who sought refuge until officers could safely escort them out via an alternate route several hours later. 

Rescue 20 trapped inside the Chevy Chase building

In another terrifying incident on Sligo Creek Parkway, a local resident recounted how his wife and daughter became stranded inside their SUV as floodwaters rose swiftly around them. 

Fortunately, quick-acting neighbors assisted in evacuating them to safety before the situation worsened. 

Residents who have lived in the area for decades expressed shock at the sudden and extreme nature of the flooding, many describing it as the worst they had ever witnessed.

As of Sunday morning, several critical roads, including Sligo Creek Parkway, remained closed due to floodwaters and damage to infrastructure, complicating travel and recovery efforts in the region. 

Sligo Creek Parkway remained closed due to floodwaters

While the National Weather Service lifted the flash flood emergency alert by 9 p.m. Saturday, officials cautioned that the threat of flooding remains significant. 

Forecasts indicated lighter showers over the following days, but meteorologists warned of a potential resurgence of thunderstorms late in the week, which could bring further heavy rains and localized flooding. 

This event serves as a serious reminder of how quickly flash floods can develop and emphasizes the vital importance of timely evacuation, adherence to emergency alerts, and community readiness to respond swiftly to such natural disasters.

Follow Weather365 to update more latest weather news!