Eastern Railroad Discussion > Flash floods in WVA, PA, Western Maryland

Probably the worst flood event since 1996.
All small streams in Allegany and Garrett County in flood stage.
CSX. Grafton line, trains stopped at Keyser WV., water impinging on bottom of New Creek bridge
CSX  Pittsburgh line, washout west of Meyersdale, around Yoder. This probably is the Casselman River, which is out of its banks. The tracks to the Shaw Mine near Meyersdale are flooded.
The inactive part of the former Georges Creek is being pounded, with tracks under water in Midland and Lonaconing, and water on bridge decks.
Amtrak's Flo is reportedly still in DC, very late, wouldn't be surprised if there's a bustitution.
High water warning for Wills Creek west of Cumberland, may have further impact on CSX Pittsburgh line.

Let's hope WMSR is okay. 1309 just returned to service. Potomac Eagle okay? They'd also be in bulls eye I'd think.

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WMSR should be OK west of the Narrows, the Potomac River bridge would be my concern, but its never been topped by a flood in 115 years, 1936 was its closest call.
The Eagle has a lot of concerns, but the bullseye seems to be just northwest of their location

Videos show automobiles floating in the streets of Westernport (west of Keyser WV}.

2 of the bridges along Georges Creek in Allegany County, MD
These were part of the former Georges Creek RR, xWM, orig. C&P.

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As mentioned, this flooding also extended along the Casselman River in Somerset County, PA.
These 2 photos are of the flooding between Meyersdale and Garrett, PA.
#1 is of Somerset Co. Fairgrounds, just west of Meyersdale, River is bordering the grounds, up at the right can be seen a train on CSX Pittsburgh line.
#2 is just west of the GAP Trail Salisbury Viaduct area.
The Mance P.O. Railcam chat is reporting the washout at Yoder was repaired overnight.

KDKA CBS is showing a video with a decent-sized motorboat resting against the bridge deck of the Shaw Mines branch just south of Meyersdale.
Here's a pic of the usual conditions at the bridge
GAP Trail: Possible flood blockage between Deal and Sand Patch, downed trees only so far between Frostburg-Cumberland. What affects the trail may also affect the WMSR..



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/14/25 08:50 by bigsavage.

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Removal of Fallen tree from WMSR and GAP Trail beside US 40, west of Cumberland

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Quite the downpour and flood event.  Thanks for your descriptions and photos.  Wishing the best for all involved.

A heads-up for those seeking to visit csx-Sand Patch/GAP Trail/Meyersdale,PA. from the Cumberland, MD. area and points east/south; the bridge pictured has buckled from the flash floods.
This is on US 219, several miles north of the PA-MD line, between the towns of Salisbury and Boynton.
Penndot is advising an indefinite closing, so alternative routes for the above locations should use either MD36/PA160 out of Cumberland, or a combination of MD 546 from I-68(Finzel exit) to Pocahontas , PA. right on Warrens Mills Rd., left on Deal Rd. to Sand Patch.
Unfortunately a new highway 219 to bypass this will be another decade, at least.
Historically this was location of a bridge of the PA & MD Street Railway, an local trolley that went out of business in 1927. The Trolley ROW between Boynton and Salisbury was then converted into the new cement highway, with the current bridge being built c.1930.

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More pics of the former Georges Creek trackage, all between Barton and Westernport.
At least 3 bridges were also damaged in this 4 mile stretch.
WMSR pics

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In the past there might have been money to completely rebuild and make it a viable trip.  That money problaby won't happen now.  Right Elon

Tominde Wrote:
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> In the past there might have been money to
> completely rebuild and make it a viable trip.
>  That money problaby won't happen now.  Right
> Elon

What does Elon have to do with any of this?   Highway funds that would rebuild US219 will still be there, and the RR tracks that are washed out haven't seen a train in many years, so really there is no need to rebuild them and if there was, it would fall on the owner of the ROW.   Keep your political crap to yourself.

CSX and NS are still working on rebuilding their lines in western North Carolina for hurricane Helene damage last year.  I wouldn't expect rebuilding here will be any faster

The Georges Creek trackage has no customers and no prospect of any, so it will likely be up to the WMSR to bring forth their vision of tourist trains down here. At least the former WM station/museum in Westernport has not been harmed.
Wouldn't look for any help from State of Maryland, as they have bigger priorities, like road and bridge repair/replacements, water system repairs, replacing a flood-damaged 100 yr. old elementary school, and trying to resuscitate 3 dying towns.
Aerial shots of Westernport afterwards

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