UPDATE: Cross Road Floods, O’Malley Declares State of Emergency

UPDATE (5:30 p.m.)—Gov. Martin O’Malley declared a state of emergency Thursday evening as communities across Maryland battled moderate to heavy flooding.

“I have ordered state emergency personnel and resources to be available statewide as we safeguard Maryland against the effects of this heavy rain," the governor said in a statement.

Flooding and standing water caused minor traffic problems throughout the day across the Perry Hall, White Marsh and Kingsville area. A flood warning remains in effect until 7:30 p.m. as heavy rains continue to pound the region, according to the National Weather Service.

By Thursday afternoon, Cross Road in Perry Hall was covered by up to 4 inches of water near the Chapel Road intersection.

Tim Burgess, Chief of the Baltimore County Bureau of Highways, said minor flooding was reported in several "isolated areas," which tend to flood when there are heavy downpours.

The flooding is mostly limited to "low-lying areas," Burgess said, adding, "Most drivers in an area tend to know where these places are."

Along with the approximately 2 inches that has already fallen, the National Weather Service is forecasting rain and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then rain likely between midnight and 3 a.m.

Some of the storms could produce heavy rain, with up to another 1 to 2 inches. Temperatures will fall to a low of around 44 degrees, eliminating concerns about icy conditions.

O’Malley urged Marylanders to check news, weather and traffic reports before traveling as torrential rains bear down on the East Coast.

Flooding may occur anywhere and cause road closures, downed trees or power lines. Drivers are asked to exercise caution when driving and be aware of firefighters, State Highway Administration crews, power crews and law enforcement handling emergencies on state and county roadways.  

SHA crews will place high-water signs and barricades throughout the day, but officials say many area roadways prone to flooding have no such warning signs.

 “Rain and flooding are significant forces of nature that citizens tend to underestimate and for which everyone should be prepared,” O’Malley said in the statement. “Maryland’s emergency response and preparedness agencies remain focused on monitoring this event, supporting local jurisdictions as needed, and ensuring all Marylanders are prepared and conduct themselves sensibly throughout this storm.”

The Maryland State Police Aviation Command is preparing for post-storm recovery efforts, if needed.  All seven helicopter sections will be operational as soon as the weather permits. 

State Police helicopters are often called upon to conduct hoist rescues for people trapped in fast-moving water. State Police helicopter teams work in cooperation with local fire-and-rescue personnel who are part of regional Helicopter Emergency Aerial Teams. 

These teams regularly train with State Police helicopter crews to assist with hoist rescues. Due to the flooding potential today, regional teams are on standby to support State Police aerial rescues if needed.   

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency, the State Highway Administration and the Maryland State Police recommend citizens take the following preparedness actions:

• Report any emergency by dialing 911.
• When your wipers are on, your headlights must be as swell. It's Maryland law.  Headlights significantly increase vehicle visibility, which is especially important during inclement weather. 
• Check your route to ensure roadways are open and passable.
• Reduce speed when traveling on wet roads, regardless of the speed limit.  Hydroplaning can occur even at slower speeds.  The potential for hydroplaning increases significantly the more water there is on the roadway and the higher the speed of the vehicle.
• Keep alert for animals, such as deer, fleeing dangerous areas and crossing roadways.
• Stay alert for traffic signal issues related to power outages. Remember the rules of the road.
• Allow extra travel time, as downed trees and wires may be blocking roads.
• Do not drive or walk through standing water. Eighty percent of flood-related deaths occur in vehicles, officials say, while 2 feet of rapidly moving water can float a bus, and 6 inches can knock people off their feet.
• Avoid downed or damaged power and transmission wires and cables.
• If power goes out in your community, check on your neighbors to make sure they're OK.
• If you use a generator in a power outage, make sure it is properly vented and kept away from the house.
• If you are using a chain saw to remove downed trees, practice chain saw safety. If you are not experienced in using a chain saw, have someone else perform the job.
• Remember floodwaters take days to make their way downstream and continue to do so even when the rain stops and the sun shines.  Never underestimate the power and speed with which floodwaters can rise, threatening residents' safety and property.

For more information on preparedness, please visit the Maryland Emergency Management Agency. Check the SHA's website for updates. Click "CHART" for real-time traffic conditions throughout the region and live video from some roadways. For quick updates, follow SHA on Twitter @MDSHA.

Assistant Regional Editor Bryan Sears contributed to this report.