Westernport, Maryland – The authorities found the body of a 12 -year -old boy who was dragging water on a road in Virginia during a storm system that also forced a dozen students to spend the night at a Maryland high school due to heavy rains that caused floods In several states.
A person who called 911 reported Tuesday night that the boy walked outside when he was dragged by the water that exceeded the road from a nearby stream, said the rescue of Firefighters from Albamarle County in a publication on social networks.
The teams found the body of what is believed to be Jordan Sims. The body will be taken from a forensic doctor in Richmond for positive identification.
“This is a heartbreaking result, and our hearts are with the family and loved ones of the Sims,” said Fire Rescue of Albemarle County Firefighters, Dan Eggleston, in a statement. “We are incredibly grateful to our local and regional partners who supported this search effort with urgency, professionalism and care.”
In Allegany County of Maryland, the authorities said about 150 students and 50 adults were evacuated on Tuesday afternoon of Westernport Elementary School, one of the three county schools where people were forced to move. The Allegany County Public Schools said that 12 students stayed during the night in Mountain Ridge High School before being collected on Wednesday morning. The county schools closed on Wednesday.
Emergency officials said there were no reports of injuries or missing persons, however, residents were urged to stay at home anyway because several secondary roads had been eliminated.
The Potomac River remained on its banks, with only minor floods reported and generally improved conditions, authorities said. The teams were evaluating the damage after the water backed up in the Georges Creek area.
Much of Allegany County received between 3 and 5 inches (8 to 13 centimeters) of rain on Tuesday. The rain records broke in some points in the region, said Anna Stuck, a meteorologist of the National Meteorological Service. Baltimore/Washington International Airport broke a rain record for the day, as did the city of Martinsburg, West Virginia.
More rain was expected on Wednesday, and although it was not expected as much as Tuesday, people should tune in warnings, watches and notices, Stuck said.
“Due to the rain yesterday, it won’t take much,” he said. “Less precipitation will be needed to flood because the ground is very saturated.”
The Maryland Emergency Management Department activated its emergency operations center to coordinate the state response. The roads in Allegany and Garrett counties closed due to floods, according to state officials. Allegany County officials reported that the waters of the floods have caused washing and leaks of the gas line.
“We remain in close contact with local officials and continue to coordinate resources as the rain continues to fall,” said Governor Wes Moore in a press release. “I urge all Marylanders to remain attentive, pay attention to the warnings of local officials and prioritize security during this time.”
In Western Virginia, Governor Patrick Morrisey declared an emergency state on Tuesday night in Mineral County, near Maryland, due to heavy rains and sudden floods, which allows the State to send resources.
