Harford County officials searching for three people swept away by flash flood waters

On September 1, Maryland State Police in Bel Air reported that they were searching for up to three people after they were swept away by swift water Friday evening in Harford County. At about 6 p.m. on Friday near Route 136 and James Run, a vehicle with two occupants became disabled on a bridge due to high water. A truck pulled up to the scene to assist.

The female in the truck who got out to assist the occupants of the other vehicle was swept away by swift water off the bridge.

Shortly thereafter, the disabled vehicle with the two occupants still inside was also swept away by the swift water. The driver of the truck was able to drive to a nearby quarry in search of the victims and then sought help from first responders. A vehicle was located later in the evening about a quarter of a mile from the scene, but high-water conditions made it too difficult to confirm whether it was the vehicle from the bridge and whether any of the potential victims were inside of it.

Maryland State Police curtailed their search efforts at about 11 p.m. on Friday and said they’d be resuming those search efforts at 7 a.m. Saturday morning.

WBAL-TV reported that several bridges in that same area as well as further north up in Darlington had been washed out.  By 9 p.m. last night, rescue crews had dealt with more than two dozen swiftwater rescues with fire officials urging everyone to stay off the roads.

Harford County has opened an emergency information line for those with storm-related reports and questions. Contact 410-838-5800 with non-emergencies and 911 with emergencies.

Around 9:30 p.m, the Harford County Technical Rescue Team was working on an open water rescue in the Susquehanna River in Darlington, according to Gardiner (Harford County spokesperson,) who said there were “reports of cries for help coming from the river just off Glen Cove.” ~ per The Bel Air Patch

The Patch went on to report that Glen Cove Marina experienced heavy damage with several vessels having gone missing due to the flood waters.

Some of the roads that were closed last night included:

• US 1/Conowingo Road at Trappe Road
• Conowingo Road at MD 440/Dublin Road
• MD 543 between I-95 and MD 136
• MD 623/Castleton Road at Glen Cove Road
• MD 136 between MD 543 and Cedar Lane
• MD 136 at Onion Road
• MD 136 between Dublin Road and Deerfield Road
• MD 136 at Harmony Church Road
• MD 155 south at Hopewell Road closed due to debris in the road
• Robinhood Road at Paradise
• Maxa Road between Cronin Drive and Southgate Road

For the most up to date information regarding road closures in the area, see: http://www.chart.state.md.us/incidents/index.php

Flash floods can come quickly and without warning during times of excessive rainfall. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, it takes just 12 inches of rushing water to strand a small vehicle, while 24 inches of fast flowing water can carry away most vehicles.

Following the simple advice of “Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” could save lives during flash flooding conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of flood-related deaths occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water.

Here are some simple tips to avoid flood-related injuries:

• “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” A driver, especially at night, has no idea how deep the water is or whether the road underneath is still intact. Pay attention to road signs that close roads.
• Delay commuting until precipitation moves away and stream and river flooding has a chance to recede and safe travel is possible.
• Pay close attention to local weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
• If a traffic signal is flashing completely out due to a power interruption, motorists on all legs of an intersection must stop and treat the intersection as a four-way stop according Maryland law.
• Never maneuver around low hanging trees or wires or try to move branches or downed wires out of the travel lanes.
• Be aware of the potential for hydroplaning. Often during heavy rainfall, water pools quickly on a roadway surface. At high speeds, even a small amount of water can cause you to lose traction and ultimately control of your vehicle.
• Increase following distances between vehicles. Remember to use low-beam headlights when windshield wipers are in operation.
• Be familiar with areas that have a history of flooding and plan an alternate route.
• Log onto md511.org or call 511 from a hands-free device to obtain the latest, real-time travel conditions.

Live traffic cameras can be accessed by logging onto roads.maryland.gov and clicking on the CHART icon.

Also, don’t forget to buckle up and avoid driving aggressively or distracted. In addition, don’t forget to adhere to Maryland’s “move over” laws aimed at increasing safety for police, fire and emergency medical services personnel working on Maryland roadsides.

~ Written by: Richard Webster, Ace News Today   /   Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter