A flash flood emergency has been issued for portions of the Baltimore, Maryland, area, with the National Weather Service citing “severe” flooding and warning people to get to higher ground.
“Move to higher ground now. This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation,” the weather service said in a warning issued at 10:40 p.m ET.
“Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.”
‘Vehicle rescues’
The emergency cites portions of Baltimore city and county, and much of neighboring Howard County.
That includes Baltimore city near Jones Falls, the Little Patuxent River near Columbia, Maryland, the Patapsco River near Ellicott City, Maryland, and nearby areas.
There have been many road closures. Howard County’s Department of Fire and Rescue Services said on Facebook that it is “responding to numerous swift water vehicle rescues.”
Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman declared a state of emergency late Saturday.
A statement posted on the county’s Facebook page said “doing this will allow the County to access state resources to assist areas impacted by tonight’s flooding.”
There also is a flash flood warning in effect until 4:15 a.m. for areas in and near Baltimore.