USA – Deadly Storms Hit North East, Flash Floods in Maryland

Update: On 17 May, 2018, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) issued a flood alert notice for flooding in Frederick County and Washington County, Maryland.

USGS said: “Intense rainfall (up to 10 inches) over the past two days (May 15-17, 2018) in southwestern Frederick County and southeastern Washington County, Maryland have caused flooding on small and intermediate-size streams in the area. Flood conditions are anticipated to persist and(or) recur over the next several days as additional rainfall (4 to 5 inches) is forecast.”

Original Report, 16 May 2018:

Severe storms caused major damage in Northeastern USA on Tuesday, 15 May, 2018.

Strong winds caused most of the damage. Two deaths were reported – one in Newburgh, New York, the other in Danbury, Connecticut – as a result of falling trees. Almost 400,000 people were without power in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo declared a state of emergency in four counties and has deployed members of the New York National Guard to assist recovery efforts.

Maryland Flooding

Severe flooding was reported in parts of Maryland, in particular Montgomery and Fredrick counties, where up to 6 inches of rain fell during the storm. Hail up to 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) was also reported.

NWS DC/Baltimore issued a Flash Flood Emergency for Frederick County including the city of Frederick and Braddock Heights late on 15 May.

Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner “Frederick County has been walloped with torrential rain and flooding. Emergency responders are busy. Stay home, stay safe. Never drive through standing water.”

Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MDMEMA) said there were multiple reports of high water throughout Maryland, especially in Frederick and Montgomery counties. Local media said that at least 6 people were rescued from flood waters by emergency services.

Around 85 people were stranded on a commuter train stuck in flood water a few miles south of Brunswick.

Earlier today MDMEMA said there was a Flood Warning in place for Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Howard Counties until 0630 16 May, 2018. “Light to moderate rain continues, up to 2 inches have already fallen”, MDMEMA added.

Social Media

Flash Flood Emergency for Frederick County including the city of Frederick and Braddock Heights until 11:45pm. At 838 pm EDT Emergency Management officials reported severe flooding with multiple water rescues across the area. Flash flooding is already occurring.

— NWS DC/Baltimore (@NWS_BaltWash) May 16, 2018

Six, including this child, were rescued from three vehicles trapped in floodwater at the intersection of N Market St and Schifferstadt Blvd in #FrederickMD. @frednewspost pic.twitter.com/nrQfrPeD53

— Graham Cullen (@FNP_Cullen) May 16, 2018

Eddy Urbina shot this video of flooding along Market St. in downtown Frederick this evening. You can see… there was a lot of water. (@wusa9) #WUSA9Weather pic.twitter.com/fs4MIKEmxG

— John Henry (@JohnHenryWUSA) May 16, 2018

@frednewspost 2 1/2 inch hail about 30 minutes ago in West Frederick pic.twitter.com/S9Ct0E0WI9

— James West (@jameswildwest) May 15, 2018

I’m declaring a State of Emergency in Putnam, Dutchess, Orange and Sullivan counties as they recover from severe thunderstorms, and deploying members of the New York National Guard to assist with recovery operations.

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) May 16, 2018

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