Maryland School Flood: 200 Rescued in Dramatic Storm

Maryland Elementary School Flooded, Nearly 200 Rescued: 'I'm Just Happy to Be Alive' Westernport, Maryland—A sudden and severe storm brought flash flooding to Westernport, Maryland, on May 15th, 2025, trapping students and staff at Westernport Elementary School. The resulting floodwaters rose rapidly, reaching the ceiling on the first floor, according to fourth-grader William Wade, one of the students rescued. "I’m just happy to be alive," William stated in an interview. The school was quickly surrounded by floodwaters, preventing parents from reaching their children. Alley Wade, William and Quinton's mother, described her frantic attempt to reach the school, only to find it inaccessible due to the rising water. She had to wait for rescue boats to arrive. The swift response of emergency services and school personnel resulted in the safe rescue of approximately 200 people from the school. William and Quinton were reunited with their parents after a two-hour rescue operation. Alley expressed deep gratitude for the first responders and the school's staff for their heroic efforts. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of flash flooding and the importance of preparedness in the face of severe weather.