Flash Flooding in Maryland, November 8, 1996

A strong cold front pumped tropical moisture ahead of it, producing torrential rains which caused sporadic flash flooding across central Maryland during the afternoon and evening of the 8th. Rain totals averaged 1.5 to 3 inches across the area, but locally higher amounts likely fell in some areas. Flooding was most prevalent at low-lying locations when creeks and streams overflowed their banks.In Frederick Co, roads and low-lying areas were flooded near Urbana. In Montgomery Co, closed roads included Beach Drive in Kensington, Watkins Mill Road (at a one lane bridge) in Gaithersburg, and Emery Lane in Olney. Several roads were closed in western Howard Co as well. Federal highway 1 was under one foot of water in Beltsville. In Anne Arundel Co, high water closed roads in low-lying areas of Glen Burnie.In Baltimore Co, several motorists became trapped in their vehicles near Hereford as high water stalled out engines. Fire and Rescue workers used rafts to get to the site; motorists escaped to safety through open windows. Other low-lying areas of central Baltimore Co were under water, especially near the Western Run which overflowed its banks.The torrential rains slowed the Friday evening commute to a crawl, and numerous accidents occurred. Two serious accidents were reported in Anne Arundel Co - a 37 year old man was struck and killed by a vehicle near Baltimore-Washington International Airport, and a school bus was struck by a minivan after the bus inadvertently ran a red light near Jessup. The driver of the van sustained minor injuries.The storms knocked out power to nearly 1000 Maryland customers of Potomac Electric Power Co, and 2500 Baltimore Gas and Electric customers.