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Potomac jumps to near flood-stage with weekend rains

by Geoff Fox

Heavy, constant rain dumped just over two and a half inches of rain on Hancock between Friday, December 14, and Sunday, December 16, causing minor flooding in the area.

According to the National Weather Service, Hancock got 2.63 inches of rain. In Washington County, only Sharpsburg and Williamsport (2.94 inches and 2.9 inches, respectfully) saw more rain.

On Saturday night, a stretch of Main Street between Roland’s Garage and Hardees had standing water in the westbound lane as rain continued.

The Potomac River at Hancock crested at 23.57 feet on Sunday, December 16 in the early afternoon. River levels had started to recede by Monday morning.

According to river gage information, the Potomac River levels rose 19 feet between Saturday morning at 11 a.m. and Sunday at the same time.

At its height, the Potomac reached the picnic area near the town’s boat ramp.

In Widmeyer Park, water from the Little Tonoloway Creek backed up into the low-lying areas, rising into the pavilions and covering some play equipment.

River levels reached the picnic area near Hancock’s boat ramp on Sunday.

The Tonoloway Creek Aqueduct below the C&O Canal near the Hancock Visitor’s Center was nearly submerged on Sunday, December 16 around 2:30 p.m. as the Potomac River spread.

In Widmeyer Park, Little Tonoloway Creek overtook the pavilions and some play equipment on Sunday, December 16.
photo by Geoff Fox

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