Flooding in Maryland, September 6 to 10, 1996

Torrential rains associated with Tropical Storm Fran caused the rapid onset of river flooding along the headwaters of the Potomac River late on the 6th, spreading gradually southeast throughout the entire basin by early on the 10th. Crests were similar to those seen in January 1996 across the Lower main stem of the Potomac. Levels were 1 to 5 feet higher than in January across the Upper main stem of the Potomac.Western Allegany Co (MDZ002) was hit the hardest. The nearly $1 million in property damage included 14 destroyed homes, 19 with major damage, and 500 with minor to moderate damage. The damage was concentrated along the Potomac and the Georges Creek in the towns of Lonaconing and Westernport.As the near record to record flows moved downstream towards higher population areas of Frederick (MDZ004) and Montgomery (MDZ009) Counties, damages continued to pile up. The town of Point of Rocks, which is used to some flooding, was inundated for the second time in less than a year. Evacuations were required and numerous buildings were flooded. Main Street was closed, as was the commuter rail station. Twenty-six private dwellings were damaged; at least $150,000 in property damage was incurred.Substantial agricultural damage was limited to Montgomery Co (MDZ009), where 450 acres of corn and soybean crops were destroyed. Damage upstream was less significant since most fields are well removed from the immediate flood plain along the Potomac.Throughout the basin and its tributaries, there were numerous road closures, rescues, and evacuations. Many bridges were washed out; debris covered pasture and farmland, and filled small creeks and streams high enough to redirect their natural flow. River sand and mud also covered some streets, in some cases (such as Point-of-Rocks) higher than one level of residents and businesses. Needless to say, the river flooding produced several electric and telephone outages.Please refer to the narrative on flash flooding for further information and damage estimate breakdowns.