Flash Flooding and Heavy Rain in Maryland, January 28, 1998

A fairly intense and slow-moving nor'easter produced a large area of moderate to heavy rains across central and lower southern Maryland beginning late on the 27th and continuing through late afternoon on the 28th. The heaviest rain fell while the storm was tracking along the South and North Carolina coastline. Storm totals ranged from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches over the area, except between 3 and 4 inches across lower southern Maryland.Widespread minor to moderate flooding of small streams, creeks, and low-lying areas occurred over much of lower southern Maryland. Other localized flooding was observed in Frederick Co.The Maryland State Highway Administration and local emergency management officials reported numerous road closures in these areas. In Frederick Co, fifteen roads were closed due to high water. More pronounced road closures were noted in lower southern Maryland and portions of east-central Maryland.Nuisance road closures (for instance, Davidsonville Road and Crownsville Road) occurred in the Annapolis area. In St Mary's Co, at least two dozen roads were closed. Most were secondary roads, but two were rural state highways (routes 5, 235, and 238). A local NWS cooperative observer noted nearly 6 1/2 inches in a five-day period, with 3.96 inches from the nor'easter alone. In Charles Co, six secondary roads were closed.Though no coastal flooding was observed, there was some minor overwash at Annapolis, Chesapeake Beach (Calvert Co), and Breton Beach (St Mary's Co). Channelling northerly winds down the bay reduced the flood threat, especially since tides were astronomically high. These same northerly winds, blowing at gale force, built waves in the Bay to 5 feet or more. Unfortunately, these waves aided in sinking a tugboat 1 1/2 miles northeast of the Thomas Point Lighthouse. The three-man crew was rescued at approximately 0130EST on the 28th.Gale-force winds extended inland a bit, affecting most of the counties along the western shore of the Bay. Gusts in excess of 30 mph were observed in the piedmont, and over 40 mph along the coastal plain. The combination of gusty winds and saturated soil caused several instances of trees, limbs, and power lines to come down. Baltimore Gas and Electric, and Potomac Electric Power Co reported 3800 and 538 customers without power, respectively, during the peak of the storm (0945EST on the 28th). In Calvert Co (MDZ018), two homes sustained minor damage from fallen trees. At least 20 trees/limbs blocked roads in St Mary's (MDZ017) Co; numerous other trees/limbs and wires were down across Charles, Calvert, and Anne Arundel Cos. Eleven lines were down across Prince Georges Co, and several fell in Anne Arundel.