Flooding forces evacuation of 2 Maryland elementary schools as flash flood emergency issued

A flash flood emergency has been declared in northwestern Maryland, particularly in Allegany County, where up to 5 inches of rain has prompted evacuations at two elementary schools. Over 200 students and staff were safely evacuated from Westernport Elementary, while additional rescues occurred, and road closures were enforced due to high water levels. A flood watch is in effect for parts of the Mid-Atlantic, with forecasts predicting heavy rain and severe storms extending from North Carolina to Pennsylvania.