Think twice before driving tonight or early tomorrow. A surge of heavy rain is bearing down on Western Maryland and Eastern West Virginia, and it’s not the kind of storm you want to brush off. A Flood Watch is now active until Thursday morning, and residents in counties like Garrett, Allegany, Mineral, and Grant are being told to prepare now for the possibility of rapidly rising water — especially on rural roads and near small creeks.
This isn’t just another rainy spring day. Forecasters are tracking a slow-moving weather system pulling in rich moisture from the south. It’s expected to dump 1.5 to 3 inches of rain on already wet ground, with the heaviest rainfall falling overnight Wednesday into early Thursday — exactly the time when emergency crews are most stretched and visibility is lowest.
What’s At Risk?
The biggest concern here is flash flooding, especially in valleys, low-lying neighborhoods, and along creeks that can swell with little notice. Garrett and Allegany counties in Maryland are no strangers to sudden water surges, and the mountainous terrain in West Virginia’s Mineral and Grant counties only adds to the risk — water runs downhill fast, and roads can vanish under it even faster.
Urban areas may face overwhelmed storm drains, while rural stretches — especially roads hugging rivers or crossing low bridges — could become impassable by sunrise Thursday.
Danger After Dark
The timing of this storm raises the stakes. Rain will start building Wednesday afternoon, but the most intense downpours are likely after dark, when fewer drivers are on the road — but also when those who are may not see hazards until it’s too late. Flash flooding tends to catch people off guard not because they’re unaware, but because they underestimate how fast it can happen.
Even six inches of fast-moving water can sweep a car off the road. And once visibility drops, flooded roads can appear flat or shallow — but may hide washed-out pavement or strong currents.
What You Can Do Right Now
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Stay off flooded roads. Turn around — don’t drown. You won’t be able to see how deep the water is, and it only takes one misjudged crossing to get trapped.
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Secure your property. If you’re near a stream or low-lying area, move valuables to higher ground and keep sump pumps running.
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Watch for alerts. Enable weather notifications on your phone or radio and follow local emergency updates through Thursday.
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Prepare for power outages. With the combination of wind and rain, downed trees and outages are possible — especially in wooded or hilly areas.
Areas Under Flood Watch
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Maryland: Garrett County, Allegany County
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West Virginia: Mineral County, Grant County
Each of these regions has a history of water-related emergencies — and officials aren’t taking chances. They’re encouraging people to plan alternate routes, avoid unnecessary travel, and check on vulnerable neighbors, especially those in isolated or
Final Thoughts
With the ground already saturated and more than two inches of rain on the way, even a short drive could turn risky in parts of western Maryland and eastern West Virginia. The key here is timing and terrain — this storm hits hardest at night, and it’s the kind that creeps in quietly but can escalate quickly. Don’t wait for water to knock on your door or swallow your tires. Take precautions now.
