14-05-2025
40+ homes evacuated in Meyersdale; flooding causing issues
Nearly 50 homes in a low-lying area of the Meyersdale area were evacuated Tuesday as the fast-rising Casselman River hit flood stage, flooding basements and stranding motorists, officials said.
The river winds its way through a flood-prone area northwest of town near the Somerset County Fairgrounds – but strong, steady rain brought the Casselman's levels up faster than usual – to 13 feet, 8 inches as of 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Meyersdale Fire Chief Mike Miller said.
That's two feet above the river's flood stage with no sign of receding, he said.
"We've seen it this bad before – but things are terrible right now," Miller said, noting the community dealt with similar flooding approximately 25 years ago. "I don't know if I've ever seen the river rise this fast."
No injuries were reported as of 5:30 p.m.
The region received 4.86 inches of rain Tuesday – on top of previous rainfall, he said.
As of 5:30 p.m., 33 basements were being pumped or set to be pumped out north of town and in the northern corner of Meyersdale, he said.
Firefighters also had to deal with a dozen cars throughout the day that became disabled by floodwater – putting motorists and emergency responders lives at risk.
"Our advice to people is to stay home and stay safe right now," he said. "Please don't try to drive through water."
The nearby boroughs of Salisbury and Garrett were also dealing with stormwater flooding, Miller said.
Fire departments from all three communities were receiving assistance from fellow departments, including Boswell, Sipesville and Northern Regional Fire Department.
Somerset County Emergency Management officials were also on scene.
Miller praised staff from all of those agencies for their tireless efforts in the Myersdale area Tuesday, saying it's required a broad, coordinated response.
Miller was awaiting an update from the National Weather Service on Tuesday to determine the outlook for when the Casselman might level off and begin to recede – and how much more its levels could rise first.
"If it goes up another foot, we're going to have first floor flooding in some (of the already evacuated) residences," Miller said.
Emergency Management Director Joel Landis said shelters have already been established for local residents evacuated by the storm.
