Region Under Flash Flood Warning, Gov. O'Malley Declares State of Emergency (With Video)

A flood watch is in effect for Carroll County as three inches of rain is expected to fall through Friday morning according to the National Weather Service. 

More than one-half of an inch of rain is already on the ground in Eldersburg causing dangerous driving conditions. 

Governor Martin O’Malley declared a State of Emergency in Maryland regarding the heavy rains across Maryland that have the potential for moderate to heavy flooding. The declaration calls the Maryland National Guard to active service and allows the emergency operation centers for local jurisdictions to access state resources when the need extends beyond their capabilities.

"I have ordered state emergency personnel and resources to be available statewide as we safeguard Maryland against the effects of this heavy rain," said Governor O’Malley. I ask Marylanders to monitor their local news outlets in the coming days for further information."

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency activated to a Level 3 at noon today due to the forecast of heavy rains that will impact Maryland. Level 3 means representatives of state agencies involved in fire fighting, rescue, law enforcement, transportation, hospitals, utilities, evacuation, sheltering and emergency medical response will join MEMA staff

The SHA is also monitoring roads and urging residents to use caution when driving. 

The Maryland State Highway Administration has crews on standby in case of any road closures. According to the SHA, just six inches of water can sweep you off your feet and two feet of rapidly moving water on a road is enough to float a bus.

Information on road closures can be found here.