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Clean up of flooded areas in western Allegany County is underway. Utility companies are making checks of gas, water, and electrical power lines while county and state road crews are clearing debris and assessing damage to roads and bridges in the area. Several secondary roads have been washed out. Clean up is also happening along portions of the Great Allegheny Passage where some areas of the trail received significant damage, making parts impassable.

In addition to homes and schools being affected by flooding in the Georges Creek area, a number of businesses have found themselves facing cleanup and restoration as well.  Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Juli McCoy tells WCBC there are a number of resources available to business owners who may be needing assistance to get back on their feet…    “Maryland Business Emergency Operations Center – that’s a website – its MDEM.maryland.gov, the FEMA disaster assistance which is disasterassistance.gov, and the SBA disaster loans are available at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov.”

The Bel Air community is rallying to help residents who have suffered flood damage. Residents can drop off or pick up donations at the Bel Air Community Pavilion on Barton Boulevard above the ballfield.  Needed items include cleaning products and supplies, toilet paper, personal items, clothing for men, women and children, non-perishable food items, laundry supplies, water and market bags and cardboard boxes.

Maryland’s House Republican Caucus is asking Governor Wes Moore to veto the Next Generation Energy Act. Members say the bill discourages nuclear energy development as well as natural gas development.  Senator Mike McKay said recently that Maryland has a power shortage and consumers are paying the price…     “According to PJM, Potomac Edison’s rates by June of this year looks like it will be increasing by 48%. That’s not Potomac Edison doing that. That’s because our transmission lines and us having to buy power outside of the state. We don’t produce enough power in-state.”

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney released a statement on the flooding in Allegany County Wednesday afternoon:   My thoughts are with the families and community of Western Maryland as they begin to recover from the devastating flooding. I can only imagine how frightening it was for the children and I’m deeply grateful to the first responders who acted so quickly to bring them to safety. Thank you to the parents, teachers, and school staff who stayed calm, and to the first responders from Maryland and neighboring states who stepped in to help. Your quick action made all the difference. We’re working closely…

UPDATE May 15th at 3AM …Kameryn Houdershell, the missing juvenile reported earlier today, has been located. The Cumberland Police Department would like to thank the public for their assistance with locating him. 15 year-old white male,  Kameryn Houdershell has been reported to the Cumberland police department as a missing person/runaway. Houdershell was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt and unknown color sweatpants. Furthermore; it’s believed that he is riding a blue bike with the seat attached by ratchet straps. Houdershell was last seen in the area of Braddock Road in Cumberland. He is not believed to be in any danger. If…

Normally, Bishop Walsh School follows the County Schools' lead in closing.  However, Thursday, May 15, Bishop Walsh School will be open.  Allegany County schools are closed.

All Allegany County Schools will be closed on Thursday.  No virtual learning will take place.

Approximately 190 Columbia Gas of Maryland customers in and around the Lonaconing and Westernport areas are experiencing a natural gas outage due to severe flooding in western Maryland. As flood waters recede, Columbia Gas technicians are conducting assessments of the natural gas distribution system to identify and address any potential flood-related issues. As that process continues, Columbia Gas also is finalizing plans to safely restore service for impacted customers. Once the restoration process is underway, Columbia Gas crews will go door-to-door to each affected customer’s home or business to turn gas meters back on, perform safety checks, and relight natural…