Severe weather brings flooding for some Maryland communities
Some Maryland communities saw severe flooding on Thursday after storms brought heavy rain across the state.
Several water rescues were reported in Harford County as flooding prompted road closures in some areas, like Joppatowne.
Flooding in Maryland
In Mt. Airy, a child drowned after being washed into a drainage pipe during a heavy rainstorm on Thursday evening.
A viewer sent WJZ a photo of major flooding in Mt. Airy.
Water rescues in Harford County
In Harford County, the Joppa Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company and the Harford County Department of Emergency Services responded to several water rescues in the Joppatowne area.
"I had never seen it like this before. Once I came across that railroad track, I figured I could keep going, but I couldn't," a neighbor said.
According to fire officials, on Thursday afternoon, two people were rescued from floodwaters at Pulaski Highway and the Baltimore County line. Cars were sought in floodwaters on Joppa Farm Road, and occupants of a car reportedly made it to safety before rescuers arrived on Joppa Farm Road.
"Numerous people have been rescued from flood waters as a result. Fortunately, there have been no injuries," the Joppa Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company said. "Do not attempt to drive or cross flooded roads or sidewalks. Turn around, don't drown."
Severe weather impacts traffic
A crash in the Joppa area involved at least one vehicle and an ambulance. Both vehicles were leaning on the side of the road on Mountain Road and Greenspring Avenue.
Metro trains were held at the Falls Road Southbound station because of flooding in the Mt. Washington area of Baltimore.
Severe weather preps
Some flood-prone communities took steps earlier in the day to prepare for the severe weather.
Baltimore City Public Schools dismissed its summer programs at 2 p.m. due to anticipated weather conditions. City offices also closed early due to the flood risk.
The city activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to support its weather response efforts and distributed sandbags to residents to prevent flooded businesses and homes.
Residents were urged not to drive through flooded streets as some low-lying areas saw road closures.
In Howard County, officials put parking restrictions in place to protect Ellicott City residents. The historic community is known to experience heavy flooding during rain events.
In 2011, 2016, and 2018, heavy rainfall led to deadly flooding in the city. Since then, leaders have put several measures in place to ensure neighbors and businesses stay safe.
Parking was prohibited along Main Street between Ellicott City Mills Drive and the Patapsco River Bridge, and along Maryland Avenue. Parking Lot D, behind the Howard County Welcome Center, and Parking Lot E off of Court Avenue were closed.