27 Water Rescues In Baltimore County Reported

BALTIMORE, MD – Baltimore County public safety officials have handled more than two dozen water rescue calls in the past few days. Authorities said there have been no serious injuries.

Since Saturday, there have been 27 water rescue incidents, the Baltimore County Fire Department reported Tuesday morning; the number was accurate as of 11 a.m., while rain continued to drench the region.

All but one of the 27 water-related calls involved vehicles trapped in floodwaters, officials said.

Most of the rescues were on the west side of the county, according to Baltimore County authorities, who provided the following breakdown by location:

• 8 in Pikesville
• 6 in Woodlawn
• 5 in Halethorpe
• 3 in Owings Mills
• 3 in Cockeysville
• 2 near Dundalk

Authorities said that people required assistance from first responders to get to safety in 15 of the 27 calls.

There are swiftwater rescue teams based out of three firehouses in Baltimore County — Arbutus, Texas and Kingsville — that have been handling the rescues.

Drivers should be careful, especially at night when it can be difficult to see standing water, officials advised. Also, those who come across water of unknown depth should turn around; don't drown.

After 10 p.m. on Monday, the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department reported that it was called to the outer loop of Interstate 695 near I-70, where a motorcycle and vehicles were stuck in flood water.

One lane was completely blocked by high water, fire officials said.

Although there have been lulls in the rain, the region remains on alert.

A flood warning is in effect until 11 p.m. on Tuesday, July 24.

Flooding is ongoing around the Glencoe area in parts of Baltimore City and Baltimore County, with stream gauges showing flooding was happening as of 4:45 p.m.

Locations that may experience flooding include Baltimore, Towson, Parkville, Carney, Perry Hall, White Marsh, Fallston, Hampton, Kingsville, Lutherville-Timonium, Mays Chapel, Garrison, Hunt Valley, Riderwood, Phoenix, Hereford, Brooklandville, Stevenson, Jacksonville, Joppatowne, Glen Arm, Fork, Baldwin, Long Green, Hydes, Bradshaw, Loch Raven, Upper Falls and Gunpowder.

The flood warning means that flooding is occurring or is imminent. Drivers who come across roads covered in water should turn around.

Woah! That isn't good. Those first responders put their lives on the line. Proud of their work, but one water rescue is too many. Do NOT cross through flood water friends. You don't know what is in it or how deep it is. #FindADifferentRoute https://t.co/nNxkJfYItE
— Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MDMEMA) (@MDMEMA) July 24, 2018

The Baltimore metro area is also under a flash flood watch until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 25.

A flash flood watch means that there is the potential for flash flooding, which can be life-threatening. Heavy rain in a short time can lead to flash flooding, or a rapid rise in water level.

Because the ground is already saturated from the weekend downpours, officials say heavy rain could lead to flash flooding.

Roads and poorly drained areas can quickly become inundated during a flash flood. Streams and creeks could leave their banks, flooding nearby properties. Residents should monitor the forecast and be prepared to take action if a flash flood warning is issued, according to the National Weather Service.

See a map of the latest warnings and watches from the National Weather Service.

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Pictured, swiftwater rescue teams from Texas Station 17, Kingsville Volunteer Fire Company and Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department responded to this incident Sunday at Stevenson and Hillside roads in Pikesville. Photo courtesy of Baltimore County Police and Fire.