Flash Flood in Maryland, September 11, 2000

A thunderstorm with torrential rainfall became stationary over the western portion of Allegany County during the evening of the 11th. Serious flash flooding developed in less than an hour. Nearly $2 million in flood damage was reported. Hardest hit communities included Cumberland's north and west side, La Vale, communities along Goose Creek, the Haystack Mountain area, Westernport, and Barton. Across the county, three businesses and a residence were destroyed by flood waters. A total of 27 homes and businesses received major damaged and 141 other structures reported minor damage. The $2 million figure does not include damage to vehicles, roads, and bridges. Power was knocked out in some locations for an extended period of time.In Cumberland, several streets were closed by high water and some became makeshift rivers which carried cars and sections of asphalt away. Several motorists had to be rescued from the rapidly rising waters. Water was seen running through the first floor of homes and businesses on the west side. The Cumberland Police Barracks reported a total of 4.80 inches of rainfall and and observer just outside of town recorded 2.97 inches. A landslide occurred just west of Cumberland on Route 220. Interstate 68 was closed for up to 3 hours through downtown after 3 feet of water rushed across the highway. Cars were floating on Fayette Street, Rose Hill Avenue, Greene Street, and Walnut Place. Several other roads including Braddock Road, Paca Street, Windsor Road, Holland Street, Beall Street, Bishop Walsh Road, Gephart Drive, Spruce Place, S. Lee Street, and Williams Street were flooded. In La Vale, 5 inches of rain was reported in only two hours. Creeks and streets were flooded and National Highway at C Street was impassable. An apartment building on George's Creek Boulevard reported major damage. In Barton, several roads were flooded. In Westernport, a major drainage ditch overflowed into the Franklin-Brophytown area.