The Garrett County Department of Emergency Management is providing the following midday update regarding the ongoing response to significant flooding in the Savage River area. While water levels have begun to recede, hazardous conditions remain, and the mandatory evacuation order continues to be in effect for Savage River Road from Big Run Campground to Westernport Road, including Wildland Drive, Broadwater Cemetery Road, and Alice Valley Road.
This morning, Garrett County personnel, along with mutual aid partners from the region, including Allegany County Emergency Services, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland State Police, Penn Township, Lower Kiski, North Strabane Township, and Preston County Emergency Management, deployed four swiftwater rescue teams—two from the northern and two from the south—to access homes within the affected corridor.
Teams successfully made contact with all residences, confirmed no reported injuries or missing persons, and received no requests for additional support. The bridge on Savage River Road remains intact, but visible road damage has been confirmed. Full assessments will occur once waters recede further.
"Our priority is always the safety and well-being of our residents and visitors,” said Justin Orendorf, Director. “We are grateful for the support of our partners and the cooperation of the public as we work through this emergency situation.”
Key Incident Updates:
- Water levels have receded in the Savage River area, enabling active damage assessment.
- No reported injuries or missing persons have been identified.
- Several secondary roads have sustained washouts; road crews are conducting evaluations and initiating emergency repairs.
- A full road conditions update will be provided later this afternoon.
- Approximately 70 customers remain without power in the Swanton area; restoration efforts are in progress.
- Local waterways outside the Savage River corridor appear to be stabilizing, and overall conditions are improving.
Emergency shelter is available at the following locations:
- Eastern Garrett Volunteer Fire Department
- Bloomington Volunteer Fire Department
- Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department
Residents should use caution near flood-damaged infrastructure or unknown standing water to ensure their safety and allow emergency crews to operate efficiently.
Further updates regarding road conditions, utilities, and any changes to evacuation status will be issued this afternoon.
Garrett County officials express deep appreciation for the continued support from regional agencies and the cooperation of the local community during this response effort.
For real-time emergency notifications, residents are encouraged to follow the Garrett County Office of Emergency Management and sign up for alerts via the Everbridge emergency alert system.
