May 15th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

The Allegany County Department of Emergency Services provides the following recap of today’s response operations and a look ahead to tomorrow’s recovery efforts:

RECAP OF TODAY'S OPERATIONS
Aerial Damage Assessment:

▪️The Maryland State Police (MSP) deployed drones throughout the Georges Creek corridor today to assist with damage assessments. These aerial visuals provided critical insight into the scope of the flooding.
▪️Additionally, Trooper 5 was launched with Emergency Services personnel onboard to further support aerial evaluations.
▪️ Link to aerial shots: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_wILh6WXeWSQOND3AQwej-0RJUE6bMAO?usp=sharing 

Road Repairs and Assessments:
▪️ County Roads crews were active throughout the day assessing road conditions and beginning emergency repairs to reestablish access for landlocked residents.
▪️ The washouts on Laurel Run Rd and Old Beechwood Road remain one of the most severe. Crews are working to construct a temporary access route on Old Beechwood Rd. 

Wellness Checks (“Walk and Talks”):
▪️Emergency Services personnel conducted door-to-door visits in affected areas, checking on residents and offering assistance with food, water, medication, and medical needs.
▪️ These efforts will continue tomorrow in the Beechwood and Laurel Run communities.

Mutual Aid Units Departed:
▪️All visiting rescue units from surrounding jurisdictions completed their missions and departed around noon today.
▪️ We are sincerely grateful for their dedication, professionalism, and rapid support over the past two days.

???? LOOKING AHEAD: Thursday’s Operations
Damage Assessments Begin:
▪️ Tomorrow, Emergency Services teams—supported by partner agencies—will begin formal FEMA-based damage assessments in the Georges Creek area.
▪️ These assessments are critical for gathering the data needed to determine whether the county qualifies for a Federal Emergency Declaration, which may enable federal recovery and cleanup assistance.
▪️ We ask for residents' continued cooperation as field teams conduct these important evaluations.

Command Post Remains Operational:
▪️ The Command Post will remain active in the Georges Creek area, supported by the Maryland State Police, as coordination efforts continue.

Ongoing Public Communications:
▪️ Additional updates will be issued as information becomes available or needs evolve.

???? Water Outage in Lonaconing
The Town of Lonaconing is currently without water service due to at least one confirmed leak.
▪️ Crews are actively working to locate and repair the issue.
▪️ The source of the leak has not yet been identified, and no estimated restoration time is available at this point.

???? Water Distribution Information
To support affected residents in Lonaconing, bottled water distribution has been established:
▪️ Where: Good Will Fire Station
▪️When: Daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
▪️ What: Bottled water is available for pickup by impacted residents

???? HOW TO HELP
If you or your organization would like to support recovery efforts, please coordinate directly with our official donations coordinator:
Samantha Twigg
???? 443-597-5119
???? samantha.twigg@maryland.gov
She is overseeing all donation logistics and distribution through approved channels.

We thank the public for your ongoing patience, support, and cooperation during this critical phase of recovery. Please continue to stay out of restricted areas, and give emergency and utility crews space to operate effectively.

For verified updates, follow the Allegany County Department of Emergency Services on Facebook and monitor alerts through the Everbridge emergency system. https://member.everbridge.net/337829242601876/new