Flood — Washington, Maryland

2025-05-14 to 2025-05-16 · near Downsville, Washington, Maryland

Event narrative

The Potomac River at Shepherdstown river gauge reached minor flood stage on May 14, 2025. The river gauge continued to rise and eventually crested in moderate flood stage at 23.27 feet. Here are the various impacts that occurred up through 22 feet. At 15 feet, River Road is completely flooded in low spots between Shepherdstown and Harpers Ferry. Significant portions of the C&O Canal towpath are flooded between McMahons Mill and Dam Number Four. At 16 feet, Water goes over the banks of the Potomac near the mouth of the Opequon River. At 19 feet, Water covers the pedestrian bridge adjacent to the Shepherdstown boat ramp. Significant portions of the C&O Canal towpath are flooded. At 22 feet, Water approaches homes on the West Virginia side of the river near Shepherdstown, and impacts are also observed on the Maryland side, not just to the C&O Canal towpath, but also to roads and structures.

Wider weather episode

A slow moving closed upper level low originating from the Gulf of America brought anomalous moisture into the area. A long duration period of rain ensued, with rain rates exceeding two inches an hour during the afternoon of May 13th. The slow moving storms coupled with training led to localized rainfall totals of four to eight inches across western Maryland, with lesser amounts of two to four inches across central Maryland. Most of this rain fell in a 6 hour period, resulting in flash flooding especially across western Maryland.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (39.5003, -77.8450)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1251042. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.