Flash Flood Emergency Declared in Parts of Maryland: National Weather Service

The National Weather Service has issued multiple alerts for parts of central Maryland.

A flash flood emergency is in effect Saturday night for Howard County and southwestern Baltimore County, where officials said flash flooding was occurring and multiple water rescues had to be performed.

Related: Water Rescues Underway in Ellicott City, Drivers Advised to Stay Inside

A flash flood warning is in effect until 4:15 a.m. on Sunday for parts of central Maryland.

Flash flooding is already occurring in the region. Approximately 4 to 5 inches of rain have fallen in a short period of time, the National Weather Service reported before 9 p.m.

The following areas are included in the warning: Anne Arundel, Baltimore (city and county), Carroll, Frederick, Howard and Montgomery.

Weather officials advise drivers to turn around—don't drown—if they see a water-covered road, as most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.

Multiple swift water rescues have been reported in Ellicott City, where citizens are advised not to drive.

Related: Water Rescues Occurring, Drivers Advised to Stay Inside

Locations where flooding is happening or anticipated are Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Olney, Pikesville, Cockeysville, Elkridge, Damascus, Glen Burnie, Ellicott City, Dundalk, Towson, Catonsville, Woodlawn, Randallstown, Montgomery Village, Parkville and Owings Mills, according to the National Weather Service.

A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 9:45 p.m. for Anne Arundel and Baltimore counties as well as Baltimore City.

A severe thunderstorm was spotted over Lake Shore at 9:01 p.m. and was moving east, bringing 60 mph wind gusts along with it that may knock down tree limbs, according to the weather service. Power outages may occur. People in the warning area should stay inside if possible.

Areas that may be impacted by the severe thunderstorm include Baltimore, Severn, Annapolis, Crofton, Riviera Beach, Fort Smallwood State Park, Gibson Island, North Point State Park, BWI, Glen Burnie, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Severna Park, Dundalk, Sparrows Point, the Naval Academy, Pinehurst, Sillery Bay and Gibson Island.

Patch File Photo.