A destructive storm system unleashed devastating floods across Virginia and Maryland, leading to numerous evacuations and water rescues.

According to Fox Weather, the body of a 12-year-old boy was discovered Wednesday morning in Albemarle County, Virginia, after being swept away by surging floodwaters the previous evening.

The tragic incident occurred amid Flash Flood Emergencies declared across multiple counties in Virginia and Maryland. Emergency responders received the distress call around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, prompting a multi-agency response to locate the missing child. Albemarle County Fire Rescue Chief Dan Eggleston expressed deep sorrow over the devastating outcome.

Maryland school evacuation raises alarm

The Georges Creek in Allegany County, Maryland experienced an unprecedented rise, reaching major flood stage within an hour. The creek's waters swelled to 12.41 feet, triggering widespread flooding in Westernport's downtown area. Local emergency crews conducted extensive rescue operations, including the evacuation of approximately 200 students and staff from Westernport Elementary School.

Westernport Mayor Judy S. Hamilton described the sudden onset of the crisis. The rapid accumulation of rainwater caught the community off guard, necessitating swift action from emergency personnel. The flooding's intensity echoed a similar catastrophic event from 1996, stirring painful memories for long-time residents.

Potomac Fire Co. No. 2 Public Information Officer Jonathan Dayton revealed the extensive damage, with approximately 200 homes and buildings affected by flooding in Allegany County alone. Despite the widespread impact, officials reported no additional missing persons.

Multiple counties face severe weather impact

Greene and Madison counties in Virginia faced their own Flash Flood Emergencies on Tuesday evening. The Greene County Sheriff's Office conducted successful rescues of stranded motorists from two vehicles caught in rising waters. Road closures became necessary due to flooding and fallen trees.

The storm system, which had previously battered the Southeast with torrential rain, continued its destructive path through the mid-Atlantic region. The National Weather Service issued urgent warnings about life-threatening flash flooding affecting low-water crossings, urban areas, and transportation infrastructure.

Weather monitoring stations recorded rainfall amounts between 2.5 to 5 inches within hours across various Maryland communities, including Luke and Barton. The deluge prompted dozens of water rescues throughout the affected regions.

Looking ahead Weather forecast and preparations

The National Weather Service predicts continued severe weather conditions along the mid-Atlantic and Carolina coastlines. A Level 1 flash flood risk extends from South Carolina to Southern Pennsylvania through Thursday morning. While a brief respite from rainfall is expected, another cold front approaches the region by Friday night.

D.C. Water officials maintain vigilant monitoring of flood-prone areas as the weather system persists. The combination of saturated ground and incoming precipitation raises concerns about additional flooding in vulnerable locations.

Communities unite in crisis response

The devastating floods that struck the Mid-Atlantic region in May 2025 claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy in Albemarle County, Virginia, marking a tragic milestone in this weather emergency. The incident occurred amid widespread flooding that forced evacuations, particularly in Maryland's Westernport area, where about 200 students and staff required rescue from an elementary school.

Emergency response teams across Virginia and Maryland continue monitoring weather conditions while maintaining readiness for additional rescue operations. The incoming cold front threatens to bring more precipitation to these already waterlogged regions, prompting officials to urge residents to stay vigilant and heed all emergency warnings.