150 students evacuated from Westport, Md., school amid flooding
About 150 students and 50 adults were evacuated from an elementary school in Maryland after hours of heavy rains driven by an atmospheric river caused major flooding in multiple eastern states.
Rescue boats were deployed to evacuate the students from Westernport Elementary School in Westernport, about 160 miles west of Baltimore, after the North Branch Potomac River and some tributaries burst their banks on May 13, according to multiple reports.
The floodwaters rose so quickly that children and teachers were trapped inside as parents raced to the school to get their children. Alley Wade, the mother of two boys in the school, told KDKA-TV when she arrived, the water was too high for her to help. She said she had to wait on dry land for rescue boats to save her kids and the other people.
Mid-Atlantic flooding news: Boy, 12, swept away as floodwaters rage; schoolkids rescued by boat
"I didn't get any call from the school. I didn't know any plan. I didn't know anything. So, my instinct was get my kids," Wade said. "The first responders and the faculty of that school were phenomenal because I'm sure they were just as scared."
William Wade, a fourth-grade student at Westernport Elementary School, told KDKA "the first floor had been flooded all the way to the ceiling."
Allegany County Department of Emergency Services, in an update around 4:40 p.m. May 13, said all students and staff members of Westernport Elementary had been safely evacuated to a church in Westernport, with students awaiting parent pickup.
The post added rescue operations were also being carried out at Georges Creek Elementary, about 10 miles from Westernport, while Westmar Middle students were sheltering in place.
Authorities announced all Allegany County Public Schools would remain closed May 14 and no virtual learning will take place.
Allegany County Department of Emergency Services spokesperson Kati Kenney confirmed May 14 all students and staff members were safely evacuated and there were "no injuries or missing people."
Floodwaters are still working down some larger streams and rivers Wednesday, the National Weather Service in Baltimore said in a post on X.
"Be prepared for road closures, and turn around if you encounter high water," the post said.
Allegany County Department of Emergency Services, in an update May 14, advised residents to stay off the roads in Georges Creek, warning "waters are still high, and conditions remain hazardous."
"For your safety − and the safety of our emergency services − we're asking everyone who can, to please stay in place and off the roads," the department said.
What is an atmospheric river? Heavy rain fueled by atmospheric river threatens more Mid-Atlantic flooding
Contributing: John Bacon, USA TODAY
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 150 students evacuated from Westport, Md., school amid flooding
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Over 100 million at risk for daily severe storms, drenching rain into next week
A recent spate of severe weather to begin the month of June will persist for several more days. The storms are expected to impact an area encompassing over 100 million people east of the Rockies and interrupt outdoor plans for the weekend and beyond, warn AccuWeather meteorologists. The storminess, fueled mostly by hot summertime air, has led to hundreds of reports of wind damage, large hail and even a few tornadoes since the beginning of the month, spanning dozens of states. Many of the same areas reeling from recent severe weather will have to stay alert for additional storminess through at least Monday. "A series of low pressure areas moving into and then out of the Midwest through early next week will be the impetus for the successive severe weather risks from the Plains to the Southeast," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill. The most recent storm led to reports of giant hail, hurricane-force winds and a few tornadoes across the southern Plains into Friday morning. Through the end of the week, this dangerous weather will build east across the Mississippi and Tennessee River valleys. Early weekend plans Saturday could be threatened across a large area spanning hundreds of miles from the U.S.-Mexico border to the mid-Atlantic coast. In addition to storms packing hailstones, destructive winds and always-dangerous lightning, heavy rain is a big concern, especially since storms will be repeating in many areas. "Besides the severe weather threat, repeated downpours will move over already-saturated soil," added Merrill. "Motorists will have to watch out for ponding of water on roads, and smaller creeks and streams will be susceptible to overflowing their banks." "Of particular concern for flooding is eastern Oklahoma into southern Kansas, including Wichita, which is already running a surplus of 2 to 5 inches of rain for early June," pointed out Merrill. At least three separate areas of severe weather are forecast to develop by Sunday across the Midwest, southern Plains and Southeast. Major cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and St. Louis are at risk for these violent storms, which can also impact air travel nationwide because of the number of busy airport hubs in these storm-affected regions. The Red River Valley of Texas and Oklahoma appear to be at particular risk for dangerous storms to end the weekend, with AccuWeather meteorologists discussing the possibility of issuing a rare "high risk" for severe storms at some point in the near future. The severe threat will not end with the weekend, as the southern Plains and South are at "some' risk" for gusty storms by Monday, which will be, in some locales, the fourth consecutive day with a risk for severe weather. While wind, hail and heavy rain represent the primary threats from the storms, there have been a few tornado touchdowns over the last few days, and AccuWeather meteorologists are concerned for a few more during this episode of severe weather. "A couple of tornadoes can occur in the High Plains into Friday evening," warned Merrill. "On Saturday, the threat for tornadoes will shift south and east into the moderate risk area in the mid-South, between Interstates 20 and 40." Because of the vast amount of moisture in the atmosphere, any tornado that spawns could be enveloped in heavy rain and difficult to see. These are called rain-wrapped tornadoes, and they are especially dangerous after dark. With outdoor graduations and summer vacation plans getting underway, having a way to receive warnings both at and away from home or work will be important over the next few days. The AccuWeather App offers push notifications of severe weather alerts so you can take quick action in the event of storms. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts™ are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
Georgia Power prepared for 2025 Hurricane Season
Company encourages customers to take time to prepare for above-average Atlantic Hurricane season; Hurricane Helene response underscores importance of preparation and readiness ATLANTA, June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With June 1 marking the official start of the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting an above-average season (read more), Georgia Power is committed to safely and reliably serving all customers, and prepared to respond to any hurricane or tropical storm which may impact Georgia. Georgia Power continues to invest in the state's power grid, adding resiliency through advanced technologies and infrastructure upgrades. This includes the continued installation of smart, automated devices throughout the state's power grid which can be controlled remotely. This technology allows Georgia Power's operations team to reroute power and segment a power line, which isolates issues and results in fewer customers affected by an outage, and faster restoration for others. This self-healing technology proved integral during last year's Hurricane Helene – the most destructive storm in the company's history. Safety during storm season is key, and Georgia Power encourages all customers to take proactive measures to safeguard their homes and families. Staying informed is also incredibly important during an emergency like a hurricane, tornado or severe thunderstorm, and the company offers the following resources for customers to stay connected and informed. Stay Connected & Informed: Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to the free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information. Outage & Storm Center – Available at customers can visit this site to ensure their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938. Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power's interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times. The map is updated regularly from teams in the field. Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go. Social Media – Follow Georgia Power across Facebook, Instagram and X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more. Safety Tips for Customers and Crews Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If you must be on the roads, please move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road – it's the law in Georgia. Never touch any downed or low-hanging wire. Warn those going out to watch for and avoid downed wires. Never pull tree limbs off of power lines yourself or enter areas with debris or downed trees as downed power lines may be concealed. Customers should call 911 or Georgia Power immediately if they see a fallen or low-hanging power line. Take care if using a portable generator. Follow all manufacturer's instructions, avoid using generators in enclosed spaces and be mindful of electrical safety. Click here for more safety tips. Georgia Power Recognized for Hurricane Helene ResponseIn September 2024, Georgia Power faced the most catastrophic storm in its history with Hurricane Helene, which interrupted electric service to more than 1 million Georgians. In the weeks and months that followed the historic storm, line crews worked tirelessly to repair or replace over 11,000 power poles, address damage to more than 21,000 spans of wire—equivalent to approximately 1,000 miles—and replace over 5,000 transformers. Additionally, over 3,000 trees were removed or addressed on power lines to restore service to customers. In the hardest hit areas of the state, the damage to infrastructure from Helene was so severe Georgia Power needed to essentially rebuild parts of the grid, and took the opportunity to upgrade and add advanced technologies in many cases. Georgia Power was recently recognized for the work of local power crews during Hurricane Helene in 2024 with the receipt of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Emergency Recovery Award. This award commended the company's exceptional efforts to swiftly restore service to the public in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. "The worst from Hurricane Helene certainly brought out the best in every Georgia Power employee – starting with our line workers on the front lines of our response to the historic storm, aided and supported by every other employee who participated in restoration and rebuilding in the aftermath and months following. This award from EEI is a testament to their shared dedication and commitment to our neighbors and communities, and the excellence they bring in service for our customers when it counts the most," said Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. "I'm honored to be a part of this incredible team and couldn't be more grateful for their dedication and commitment to being here for Georgia every day." Read more about the award here. About Georgia PowerGeorgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.8 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit and connect with the company on Facebook ( X ( and Instagram ( View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Georgia Power
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Northeast to cycle between deluges, dry air following summerlike warmth
The warmest air since last September will be replaced by a familiar refrain in the Northeast: rounds of showers and thunderstorms, some of which can pack a punch into next week. In between rainy episodes, however, there will be a period of nicer weather over the weekend for many, say AccuWeather meteorologists. The topsy-turvy weather pattern in the Northeast, which is typical in the late spring timeframe, was first marked by rounds of chilly rain during the second half of May, then a period of dry weather with a dramatic warm up in early June. The weather over the next several days will fall somewhere in between. The warm spell will end with a bang The season's first significant warmup enveloped the East during the first week of June, as the mercury soared well into the 80s to around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. But the pool weather will switch back to sweatshirt weather before long. "It will get cool enough to keep some folks from venturing to the local pool or lake," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill of the cooler weather expected to arrive this the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts™ with Premium+ In advance of that cooldown, thunderstorms will rumble along and ahead of a cold front through Friday evening. Some of those storms could turn severe, packing strong, gusty winds and even some small hailstones. With school ending and community or backyard pools open for the season, swimmers may have to briefly safe shelter as storms roll through. By Friday night and Saturday morning, drier and cooler air will arrive in the eastern Great Lakes and parts of the interior Northeast. In New England and along the mid-Atlantic coast, it will take until late Saturday for storms to exit offshore. Temperatures that were up to 10 degrees above historical averages will dip to about 5 degrees below average, a daytime swing of 15 degrees. At night, low temperatures could drop into the 50s for a few mornings into next week thanks to lowering humidity. In most areas, the growing season is well underway and will not be interrupted by this cool snap. "Unlike the recent cool spell at the end of May, this one will not produce a frost in the Great Lakes, northern Mid-Atlantic or Northeast," added Merrill. Wet and stormy weather slated to return quickly next week The rain-free weather accompanying the cool, less humid weather will not have the staying pattern of the dry spell that started June. AccuWeather meteorologists say that showers and thunderstorms can return to the mid-Atlantic and Northeast as early as the end of the weekend. On Sunday, a new storm packed with moisture is forecast to approach from the nation's midsection, first arriving in the Appalachians and mid-Atlantic, then spreading into the rest of the Northeast to start the workweek on Monday. Unlike during the storminess in late May, the wind direction for much of the rainy period early next week will be out of the south and west, rather than the north or east, so the air will not be as chilly. Still, the wet weather can ruin some outdoor plans for a few days and may also act to pull in some wildfire smoke from Canada in between rainy spells. After the consistent rains of May, the rain is no longer needed in most areas. Since the beginning of April, the area covered by drought conditions in the Northeast went from nearly 25 percent to less than 1 percent, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor. For those pining to get back in the pool or ocean, they may not have to wait long. "There are signs that point to the same high pressure producing record heat in the Northwest will arrive in the East by the end of next week," said Merrill. "This would allow the temperature pattern to flip-flop with much above average temperatures returning to the region." Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts™ are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
