2 Water Rescues In Harford Reported As Roads Flooded

BEL AIR, MD — Officials said up to 5 inches of rain fell in a matter of hours Thursday in Harford County.

Crews responded to two water rescues on MD 7/Philadelphia Road, the Abingdon Fire Company reported before 10 p.m.

One was on Route 7 at Calvary Road in Abingdon, where Harford County's Department of Emergency Services and firefighters handled a swift water rescue with two vehicles stranded and multiple people trapped, according to the fire company.

The other was in the 2100 block of Philadelphia Road in Edgewood, where fire officials said one vehicle was trapped in the floodwater.

"Numerous roads are closed due to high water and several stream gauges indicated minor flooding over the last couple of hours," officials reported at 9 p.m.

These roads were closed as of 10 p.m., according to state transportation officials:

• MD 7 at Fashion Way
• MD 7 between Baneberry Drive and Harford Town Drive
• MD 7 at Calvary Road

MD 543 reopened between MD 22 and Prindle Drive after it was closed at 6:30 p.m.

At Bynum Run in Bel Air, the gauge showed "ongoing minor flooding" at 9.2 feet, officials said at 9 p.m.

"Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads," the National Weather Service warned. "Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding."

A flood warning expired at midnight. Doppler radar and automated rain gauges showed 3 to 5 inches of rain had accumulated as of 9 p.m. in parts of Harford County, officials said.

EXPIRED: With inches of rain and severe thunderstorms in the area, the National Weather Service issued three warnings for Harford County Thursday night.

Part of Harford is under a severe thunderstorm warning until 7:30 p.m.

At 6:36 p.m., officials said a severe thunderstorm was detected over Kingsville moving northeast at 20 mph. It had 60 mph winds, officials said.

At 6:33 p.m., authorities reported another storm was near Havre de Grace with 60 mph wind gusts and 0.75 inch hail. That storm was moving northeast at 25 mph.

During the severe thunderstorm warning period, people should go inside to stay safe from wind and lightning and move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

Roads may become blocked by downed trees, and localized power outages are possible, according to the warning. Do not drive under wooded areas until the threat has passed, as trees and branches may fall.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Joppatowne MD, Bel Air MD, Fallston MD until 7:30 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/agXlhblMfB
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) June 3, 2021

A flash flood watch was in effect until 10 p.m.

Flash flooding is a rapid rise in water level that can be life-threatening. Creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, underpasses and streets may become flooded.

Rain gauges showed 2 to 3 inches of rain had fallen by 6:30 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. About 1 to 2 inches of additional rain could fall in the warned area early Thursday night, according to forecasters.

"Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly," officials reported before 6:30 p.m.

Flash flooding is a rapid rise in water level that can be life-threatening. Creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, underpasses and streets may become flooded.

These areas may experience flash flooding, officials say: Cockeysville, Aberdeen, Havre de Grace, Towson, Bel Air South, Parkville, Bel Air North, Carney, Perry Hall, Timonium, Fallston, Kingsville, Pleasant Hills, Lutherville, Timonium, Darlington, Hickory, Bynum, Benson and Hampton.

Harford and Cecil counties are also under a severe thunderstorm warning until 7 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

At 6:01 p.m., officials said severe thunderstorms packing 60 mph wind gusts were detected by radar on a line from Farmington to Havre de Grace to Perryman.

The storms were moving east at 25 mph, according to the warning, which said these areas may be impacted: Aberdeen, Havre de Grace, Calvert, Bel Air South, Bel Air North, Kingsville, North East, Pleasant Hills, Rising Sun, Charlestown, Zion, Blake, West Nottingham, Octoraro, Fair Hill, Bay View, Lombard, Richardsmere, Woodlawn and Pleasant Hill.

Hail less than 0.75 inch was also detected.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Rising Sun MD, Port Deposit MD, Darlington MD until 7:00 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/23TXXdIGIG
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) June 3, 2021

A flood warning is in effect for Harford and Baltimore counties until midnight.

Drivers should turn around — don't drown — if they come across water-covered roads.

At 5:55 p.m., authorities said radar and rain gauges indicated 1 to 2 inches of rain had fallen, with another 1 to 2 inches of precipitation possible Thursday night.

Several roads have been closed, Baltimore County emergency management officials reported before 6 p.m.:

• Cromwell Bridge Road at Cowpens Avenue was impassable.
• Thornton Mill Road at York Road was flooded.
• MD 145/Sweet Air Road at Green Road was closed due to weather.
• MD 145/Sweet Air Road at Manor Road was closed due to weather.

These areas may flood, according to the warning: Cockeysville, Aberdeen, Havre de Grace, Towson, Bel Air South, Parkville, Bel Air North, Carney, Perry Hall, Timonium, Fallston, Hampton, Kingsville, Pleasant Hills, Lutherville-Timonium, Lutherville, Darlington, Benson, Bynum and Hickory.

EXPIRED: A severe thunderstorm warning was in effect until 6:15 p.m.

At 6:01 p.m., weather officials said severe thunderstorms were located on a line from Farmington to Havre de Grace to Perryman, moving east at 25 mph. The storms were accompanied by 60 mph wind gusts, officials reported.

Before 6 p.m., radar indicated a line of severe thunderstorms from West Nottingham to Aberdeen to near Riverside moving east at 25 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

Officials said 60 mph wind gusts were reported with the storm along with hail less than 0.75 inch.

During the severe thunderstorm warning period, people should go inside to stay safe from wind and lightning. Do not drive under wooded areas until the threat has passed, as trees and branches may fall. Roads may become blocked by downed trees, and localized power outages are possible, according to the warning. These areas may be impacted, the warning stated: Aberdeen, Havre de Grace, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Calvert, Bel Air South, Bel Air North, White Marsh, Riverside, Kingsville, North East, Pleasant Hills, Rising Sun, Perryman, Charlestown, Zion, Blake, West Nottingham, Octoraro, Fair Hill and Bay View.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Edgewood MD, Aberdeen MD, Havre de Grace MD until 6:15 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/zALBib4i41
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) June 3, 2021

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 9 p.m., and a flash flood watch is in effect until 10 p.m.

Related: Two Weather Watches Issued Across Most Of Maryland

EXPIRED: Baltimore, Harford and Cecil counties were under a severe thunderstorm warning until 5:30 p.m.

Weather officials said severe thunderstorms were detected on a line from Octoraro to Bel Air South to Kingsville at 5:25 p.m., and the storms were moving east at 25 mph.

Along with the storms, authorities reported 60 mph wind gusts and hail the size of quarters.

At 5:15 p.m., the National Weather Service reported severe thunderstorms on a line from Bel Air North to Towson were moving east at 20 mph.

Law enforcement reported tree and structural damage around Jacksonville, and radar indicated 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-sized hail, according to the weather service.

While a tornado warning has expired, officials said that "intense thunderstorm lines can produce brief tornadoes and widespread significant wind damage. Although a tornado is not immediately likely, it is best to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. These storms may cause serious injury and significant property damage."

EXPIRED: A tornado warning has been issued for parts of Baltimore and Harford counties Thursday afternoon.

The warning remains in effect until 5:15 p.m. It was issued after a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was detected by radar near Cockeysville at 4:51 p.m., officials said.

It applies to west central Harford County and northeastern Baltimore County.

"Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Damage to roofs, siding, and windows may occur," the warning states. "TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris."

Mobile homes may be damaged or destroyed. Tree damage is expected.

The storm was expected to be near Fallston at 5 p.m. and Bel Air North at 5:15 p.m. Jacksonville may also be impacted.