Flash flooding forces evacuations in maryland as dam levels rise

WESTERNPORT, Md. — Flash flooding in Allegany County prompted widespread evacuations, including at least three schools, as emergency responders from across three states assisted with ongoing water rescues late Tuesday.

The Allegany County Department of Emergency Services issued an emergency flooding update at 11 p.m., citing overflows at the Savage River Dam and rising levels on the Potomac River. Officials reported the Savage River Dam at a Level 1 nonfailure emergency, with water flowing over the spillway but no structural instability. The Piney Mountain Dam was reported as structurally sound.

Photo: flash flooding forces evacuations in maryland as dam levels rise

Cumberland Police joined rescue operations in Westernport, where water levels swelled through Tuesday. A significant portion of the town has been evacuated, and gas leaks have been reported due to infrastructure washouts. “If you smell gas inside your home, call 911 immediately,” emergency officials warned.

More than 200 students and teachers were evacuated by boat from Westernport Elementary School earlier in the day. Emergency responders later confirmed that all students and staff from three impacted schools had been safely relocated. Those awaiting pickup are being housed and supervised at Mountain Ridge High School.

Twenty-one boats and swiftwater rescue teams remain active, with support from 24 agencies across nine counties in Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

Officials brace for additional rainfall overnight

Though water levels receded slightly by Tuesday evening, officials said heavy rain is forecast to return overnight. Rivers and streams across the county remain extremely high, and flooding along the Potomac River is possible by early Wednesday.

Road conditions across the county have deteriorated significantly, with multiple closures and compromised infrastructure. Public Works and the Maryland State Highway Administration will assess damage when conditions allow.

Authorities continue to warn residents against entering floodwaters. “Do not attempt to drive through standing water,” Allegany County officials emphasized in a statement.

Shelters remain open, and emergency crews are rotating to rest status as new weather systems approach the region.

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