Watch CBS News

Anne Arundel County Dealing With Dangerous Flooding

GLEN BURNIE, Md. (WJZ)— More than 40 roads remain closed in Anne Arundel County because of the heavy flooding that's already left several families homeless.

Andrea Fujii reports rescue crews had to save eight people who were stranded in water, but so far, there is no report of injuries.

The problem in Anne Arundel County area is there are so many low-lying areas. And the ground is so saturated, there is nowhere for the water to go.

Boat is the only way to get to the Lanning family's home from Gambrills. Overnight, at least five feet of water quickly flooded their house, leaving everyone to tread to safety.

"Water. We walked through water in the house. And come to hit the bottom step. And it was to our chin. He put the dog on his shoulder and we just grabbed what we could," recalled Cathleen Lanning.

Low-lying areas in Anne Arundel County's west side have been hit hard with torrential rains. A sinkhole in Gambrills swallowed a car. An elderly couple had to be rescued when they tried driving over the Severn Run Creek.

The water was moving so fast that at only 3 feet deep, it was able to pull the 68-year-old man under, but a police officer was able to pull him right back up.

"You never want to assume you can pass through a certain area. You don't know how high the water is in certain points. Don't take that risk," said Justin Mulcahy, Anne Arundel County Police.

After this flooding, the recent earthquake and Hurricane Irene, Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold hopes that the federal government will help with the possible millions in repair.

"In these very difficult times, any money that we can get reimbursed from the federal government is important," he said.

Though these families are grateful nobody was hurt, they must now figure out how to start from scratch.

"My mother. She's 77. This is all she's got. You know? We're homeless," Lanning said while fighting back tears.

Four families lost their homes in Gambrills and they do not have flood insurance. The flood waters are not expected to recede for several more days.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.