Heavy Rain, Flooding Hit Baltimore County

(UPDATE 6:45 p.m.)—The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning over much of Baltimore County and Baltimore City Wednesday afternoon.

The advisory, which is in effect until 6:45 p.m., said that two to three inches of rain have fallen in parts of affected areas and that more rain is likely throughout the afternoon, worsening flood conditions.

Areas of Baltimore County likely to be affected by heavy rain, thunderstorms and flooding includes, but were not limited to , , Arbutus, Carney, , Dundalk, Fells Point, Parkville, , Rosedale, Rossville, Timonium and .

Already, there are areas of the Essex-Middle River area that have experienced flooding, including at the intersection of Orems and Golden Ring roads.

Elise Armacost, a spokeswoman for the county police and fire department, said the western track of the storm may have localized the most serious flooding on the western and northern portions of the county.

It is not clear if tides combined with the rain storms will cause flooding along the county's 200 or so miles of shoreline on the eastside of the county, Armacost said.

Baltimore County Fire Department reported that rescue crews were extremely busy on the west side of the county.

Armacost urged drivers to stay off the roads and avoid driving through flooded areas where as little as six inches can carry away a vehicle.

"Nearly all the rescues today have been the result of vehicles trapped in water," Armacost said.

No civilian injuries have been reported, Armacost said.

One firefighter was taken to St. Agnes Hospital for observation after a boat he and five other firefighters were in capsized during a rescue attempt near Frederick Road.

Four of the firefighters were part of the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department. Two others were stationed at the Texas fire station near Cockeysville, Armacost said.

The cause of the accident is under review.

"We still don't know what happened," Armacost said.

Call volume for emergency services in the county has dropped in recent hours.

"Between 1 and 3 p.m. we were swamped," Armacost said. "The call volume hasn't been the same in recent hours. We're still busy. We're still handling calls but it doesn't seem to be the same volume as it was earlier this afternoon.

The National Weather Service reports excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses, as well as other drainage areas and low-lying spots.

Heavy rain this morning caused flooding and road closures in both Prince George's and Howard counties. Two to five inches of rain fell south of the city and water rescues have been ongoing throughout the day, according to the National Weather Service.

"This is a very dangerous situation!" the advisory said.