WESTERNPORT — The latest on flash flooding that affected the area Tuesday, May 13, 2025:
Damage assessment
Rescuers were going door-to-door Wednesday morning throughout Georges Creek communities to assess damage from Tuesday’s flash flooding.
There are no reports of injuries or missing people.
“We are doing door to door evaluations now in Westernport, Luke, Barton and Lonaconing and also doing storm assessments,” said Roger Bennett, acting director of the Allegany County Department of Emergency Services.
Route 36 through Georges Creek is mostly passable, though some sections remain “compromised,” said Kati Kenney, Allegany County public information officer.
Emergency assistance
Resources from nine counties in Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania were provided by 24 agencies in those states. The emergency assistance included 21 boats and swiftwater rescue teams, according to Kati Kenney, Allegany County public information officer.
Trail damage
The Great Allegheny Passage Trail has sustained significant damage, with multiple washouts rendering it largely impassable, according to Kati Kenney, Allegany County public information officer.
A more detailed update on specific locations will be released in the coming days.
Trail users are asked not to attempt to pass damaged sections of the trail.
Gas service
Columbia Gas has shut off gas service in the Westernport area as a precautionary safety measure.
About 180 Columbia Gas personnel are deployed across the region, working to assess system damage and respond to urgent leaks.
‘Significant flooding’
Mineral County received about 3 to 4 inches of rain, but approximately 6.25 inches in the Keyser area, the county’s Office of Emergency Management said. The heavy rainfall caused significant flooding, leading to evacuations along New Creek in Keyser, as well as a small portion along Stoney Run. About 200 people were evacuated.
A shelter has been set up for affected residents at Keyser Presbyterian Church.
Last students picked up
The last of 12 students who spent the night at Mountain Ridge High School have been picked up by parents, Allegany County Public Schools said Wednesday morning.
Students from Westernport Elementary and Westmar Middle Schools were taken to Mountain Ridge Tuesday after severe flooding affected Georges Creek. Westmar Elementary students were evacuated by boat Tuesday afternoon.
Second highest crest
George’s Creek in Westernport reached a crest of 12.41 feet around 6 p.m. Tuesday — the second highest crest on record for the location, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill said. That’s just behind a peak crest of 12.77 feet on Sept. 6, 1996.
The Potomac River in Cumberland had its ninth highest crest on record Wednesday morning at 23.58 feet.
Cumberland Regional Airport measured 2.77 inches of rainfall from the system, while totals reached 5-6 inches between LaVale and Piney Dam.
Additional showers and thunderstorms were expected Wednesday, adding to the flood risk, Merrill said. Rain will be spotty Thursday before a couple of showers and storms move through with a cold front on Friday. A lingering thunderstorm is expected on Saturday before sunshine and low humidity returns on Sunday.
State of Emergency
Gov. Patrick Morrisey has declared a State of Emergency in Mineral County after flash flooding Tuesday.
“Please remain attentive to weather conditions through local reports and follow any instructions issued by emergency officials,” the governor said in a Wednesday statement.
Rainfall totals
The highest rainfall totals in the area for Tuesday, May 13, 2025, according to Chad Merrill, an AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist:
• Clarysville: 7.77 inches
• Eckhart Mines: 6.21 inches
• Frostburg: 5.89 inches
• Piney Run: 5.80 inches
• Meyersdale, Pennsylvania: 7.37 inches
• School House, Pennsylvania: 6.29 inches