'Dangerous' Downpours In MD Prompt Flooding, Evacuations: See The Latest

Updated, 4:45 p.m. Tuesday

MARYLAND — Portions of Maryland were under a flash flood emergency Tuesday afternoon as an atmospheric river that brought days of rain and storms to the South moved into the state, bringing torrential downpours and the possibility of isolated tornadoes.

The storm already produced rainfall ranging from 6 to 10 inches through Monday night, with some locations picking up between 10 and 14 inches of rain, according to Accuweather forecasters.

While that magnitude of rain is not expected for the Baltimore region, flooding swiftly became a reality in far western portions of the state on Tuesday as emergency officials ordered evacuations in Allegany County.

According to the National Weather Service, a flash flood emergency is in effect for Westernport and Barton until 5:45 p.m.

Students in at least one elementary school in Westernport were quickly ushered to higher ground due to rising water levels, according to county emergency and school officials, while others were kept in class until they could be dismissed safely.

Allegany County Emergency Services Interim Director Roger Bennett told WBOY that crews from several counties had been dispatched to the area to assist with water rescues. As of 3:20 p.m., Bennett said there were 11 active water rescues in the area.

Additionally, photos shared on X reportedly depicting the flooding in Allegany County showed multiple cars submerged in standing water.

The Baltimore area could still get a thorough soaking Tuesday, and showers and storms are expected to linger through much of the work week and into the weekend.

"In the Northeast states, the bulk of the rain is likely to fall on the mid-Atlantic region to parts of the central Appalachians into midweek," AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said.

By Tuesday afternoon, a band of heavy rain settled over most of the Mid-Atlantic, extending from eastern North Carolina to southern Pennsylvania, according to the Washington Post. Particularly heavy downpours are expected in Virginia, where more than 4 inches may fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

As of 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service had issued a flood watch for Montgomery County, Washington, D.C., and most of Northern Virginia. Flood warnings were also in effect for the North Branch of the Potomac River in Allegany and Cumberland counties.

According to forecasts, "dangerous" downpours on Tuesday could cause hazardous travel conditions along Interstates 95 and 81.

"A few of the most intense thunderstorms in the region could spawn a tornado or two, damaging winds and some hail, with the primary risk zone extending from eastern North Carolina into Virginia and southeastern Maryland," forecasters at the Post wrote.

Scattered showers and storms are likely to continue across much of Maryland on Wednesday and Thursday before moving north and eventually heading offshore.

Total rainfall from the system should range from 2 to 3 inches in much of the region, although some areas could see a bit more (west of D.C.) or less (east of D.C.), the Capital Weather Gang said.

"As the storm slowly breaks up in place over the Northeast from Wednesday to Thursday, the sun can break through here and there," Accuweather forecasters wrote. "Where the sun is out for a time, it may feel rather warm and humid, compared to most days this spring."

Here's a look at the detailed NWS forecast for the Baltimore area:

Tuesday: Showers. Patchy fog after 5pm. High near 69. East wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tuesday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 65. East wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Wednesday: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. High near 78. East wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2am, then a chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 68. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Thursday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday: A chance of showers after 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday Night: A chance of showers before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am, then a chance of showers after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday: Showers likely, mainly after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night: Showers likely before 8pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.