Severe Floods Devastate Mid-Atlantic Region Amidst Record Rainfall

Between May 13 and May 18, 2025, a slow-moving atmospheric river brought unprecedented rainfall to the Mid-Atlantic region, resulting in severe flooding across Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. The deluge led to at least one fatality, widespread property damage, and significant disruptions to daily life.

An atmospheric river—a narrow corridor of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere—originated in the southeastern United States and moved northward, delivering up to a foot of rain in some areas. This system was trapped in the Southeast for days due to a high-pressure system in the north. The Mid-Atlantic region was experiencing drought conditions prior to the event; the combination of dry soil and heavy rainfall led to rapid runoff and severe flooding.

Maryland

On May 13, Allegany County, particularly the Georges Creek Valley region, experienced significant flooding. Georges Creek, a tributary of the Potomac River, rose more than 7 feet in six hours, reaching a moderate flood level of 12.12 feet by 5 p.m. The record flood level for the area occurred in 1996, when the creek reached 12.77 feet. A flash flood warning was issued for Westernport and Barton. In Westernport, an elementary school was flooded, necessitating the evacuation of approximately 150 students and 50 staff members using 15 rescue boats. Children reported that floodwaters nearly reached the first-floor ceiling by the time they were evacuated. News coverage showed several cars floating in the school parking lot. No injuries were reported from the elementary school, and no other schools in the area were impacted. Additional reports indicated individuals trapped in cars and homes. A flash flood warning was also issued for Grantsville, Maryland, as moderate rain showers headed north, with some areas receiving three to four inches of rain. Streets in Cumberland were flooded, with vehicles floating in water at about knee-depth.

On May 15, in Point of Rocks, the Potomac River reached a major flood stage at 21.5 feet by 4:45 a.m., beginning to submerge comfort stations and threaten parking areas at boat ramps. Water levels in Point of Rocks had not reached this level since 1910. In Poolesville, Maryland, floodwaters reached 19.1 feet at the Edwards Ferry boat ramp on Thursday morning. Flood warnings remained in effect for many locations along the Potomac, including Hancock, due to additional forecasted rainfall.

Virginia

On May 13, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Augusta, Nelson, and Albemarle counties at 4:26 p.m., effective until 10:30 p.m. The county received between four and six inches of rain from the night of May 12 through the night of May 13. On Tuesday afternoon, levels for the Mechums River began to rise at a rate of one foot per hour, reaching five feet above flood stage by midnight. At approximately 5:30 p.m. on May 13, less than an hour after the flash flood warning was issued, a 12-year-old boy named Jordan Sims was swept away by floodwaters after a nearby creek in Albemarle County overtook the roadway he walked on. After receiving a 9-1-1 call, search and rescue teams searched for approximately three hours before pausing the search due to visibility concerns. Floodwaters receded considerably overnight, and rescuers resumed their search in the morning, recovering Sims's body at approximately 8:45 a.m. on May 14.

On May 15, a flood warning was issued for Fauquier and Prince William counties due to small stream flooding near Cedar Run. Floodwaters impacted roads throughout the area, including Route 806. Flood warnings were also issued for Fairfax County, Montgomery County, and Loudoun County until at least the morning of May 17. As of May 15, the water already on the ground was creating dangerous conditions in the areas.

District of Columbia

Flooding began occurring in Washington, D.C., on May 15 due to rising levels of the Potomac River and high tides. A coastal flood warning was in place along the Potomac shoreline, with two to three feet of flooding expected in areas along the river, including the Georgetown neighborhood. Flooding submerged the boardwalk in Washington Harbour, and Wisconsin Avenue was in the minor flood stage. Little Falls, a rapids located at the borders of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, was also in a minor flood stage on May 15, with 10 feet of flooding.

North Carolina

Parts of western North Carolina, including areas recently damaged by Hurricane Helene, were placed under a flood watch. Boone received more than five inches of rain in some areas. Flooded roadways were reported in Boone, Cabarrus County, Valle Crucis, Seven Devils, Foscoe, and Burke County. The flooding was primarily due to rising flood levels for the North and South Fork New River, the Watauga River, and Wilson Creek.

Pennsylvania

Heavy rainfall in south-central Pennsylvania resulted in rising water levels for Conodoguinet Creek, a tributary of the Susquehanna River. By 5:30 a.m. on May 15, the water stage was just below flood stage at 7.9 feet. In Somerset County, some streets were flooded. Flash flood warnings were initially issued for northeastern Adams County, south-central Cumberland County, and west-central York County but were canceled later in the day. On May 16, police and firefighters in West Chester performed five water rescues of individuals trapped in cars due to flooding.

West Virginia

On May 13, Keyser and Piedmont, West Virginia, were issued flash flood warnings in the early evening. Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in Keyser and other areas of Mineral County by late that night, with Governor Patrick Morrisey declaring a state of emergency for the county. Parts of West Virginia Route 46 were covered with rocks and debris, and other roads in the area were damaged. Basements of some residential buildings were flooded, though the majority of the damage was to roads, a school, and the local Walmart. Only one person had to be rescued on the 13th, and there were no reported injuries.

On May 15, flood warnings remained in effect for many locations along the Potomac due to additional forecasted rainfall, including Shepherdstown and Harpers Ferry.

Social and Societal Implications

The flooding had profound social and societal impacts across the affected regions. The evacuation of Westernport Elementary School in Maryland highlighted the vulnerability of educational institutions to natural disasters. The tragic death of 12-year-old Jordan Sims in Virginia underscored the dangers posed by flash floods, especially to children. The widespread property damage and displacement of residents emphasized the need for improved infrastructure and emergency preparedness in flood-prone areas.

Historical Context

The Mid-Atlantic region has a history of significant flooding events. The 2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, which occurred from June 25 to July 5, 2006, affected Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., resulting in 16 fatalities and approximately $1 billion in damages. The August 2014 United States floods impacted Michigan, New York, and Maryland, causing three fatalities and $1.837 billion in damages. The 2025 event, while less deadly, caused significant disruption and highlighted ongoing vulnerabilities in the region.

Climate Change Considerations

Recent studies have indicated that climate change is contributing to the decline of key Atlantic currents, such as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). This decline has been linked to increased flood risks along the U.S. Northeast coast over the past two decades. The weakening of these currents leads to sea-level rise and intensified flooding in the region. The May 2025 flooding event may be part of this broader trend, suggesting a need for climate adaptation strategies.

Preparedness and Response

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) have emphasized the importance of flood preparedness in the Mid-Atlantic region. FEMA Region III Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney stated, "Flooding is the most common and costliest disaster in the United States – it can occur in any community at any time. In a flood, your life depends on being prepared which is why we encourage individuals, commuters, families, and communities to prepare." Residents are urged to stay informed about flood risks, sign up for alerts and warnings, and have a plan in place for potential evacuations.

The 2025 Mid-Atlantic flood serves as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events and the critical need for proactive measures to mitigate future risks.