Flash Flooding in Maryland, March 20 to 21, 1998

An area of deep low pressure over the southeastern U.S. moved slowly into the southern middle Atlantic region in a 24-hour period from the morning of the 20th through the morning of the 21st, then off the coast by evening of the 21st. The low, which entrained deep moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, aided in dumping storm total rainfall of 1 1/2 to 2 inches across the piedmont, with over 2 inches in the higher mountains of the Catoctin Ridge. The rain, falling onto saturated soil in a winter of wet weather, produced areas of small stream and creek flooding - as well as high standing water - which closed over a dozen roads in north central Maryland.Minor stream and creek flooding occurred in eastern Washington, Frederick, and northwest Carroll Cos. Three state roads were temporarily closed in Frederick Co (rte. 26, 355, and 17). The western portion of the Big Pipe Creek watershed (Carroll Co) flooded, affecting the towns of Detour and Union Bridge, as well as forcing the closure of state route 75. A water rescue was necessary on a flooded creek in Frederick Co. A total of 15 roads closed in Washington Co, including state route 68 south of Hagerstown. Minor flooding was reported in the towns of Williamsport, Funkstown, and Fairplay. Over two dozen basements were flooded in and near Hagerstown; a result of super saturated soils from the abundant winter rainfall.Nuisance high standing and ponding water was prevalent in the western suburbs of Baltimore and Washington. However, a water rescue (by air boat) was required along state route 28 and Seneca Creek, a well-known flood area in western Montgomery Co. The rescue involved a 45 year-old man whose car was swept 40 to 50 feet downstream early on the 21st.