Flash floods of August 1-2, 1971 Baltimore (City) Md. and Baltimore County, Md Flash floods of August 1-2, 1971 Baltimore (City) Maryland and Baltimore County, Maryland Report on significant disaster

"During the evening of August 1 and early morning of August 2, 1071 scattered thunderstorms and associated precipitation caused flash flooding in Baltimore (City), Md., Baltimore County and Harford County in Maryland. This area is served by WSO, Baltimore, MD. And WSFO, Washington, D.C. which is also the River District Office (RDO). A supplemental precipitation Survey indicated that between 5 and 12-1/2 inches of rain occurred within an eight hour period, and sixteen deaths have been attributed to the flooding which resulted. The 12-1/2 inch precipitation center and major damage area is centered around White March, Md. in Baltimore County. A review of the times of the loss of life indicate most casualties were aware of heavy rains and/or flooding but did not take the necessary precautions for their own safety. A review of the National Weather Services operations indicate that the areas was well altered to thunderstorms and severe thunderstorms but the flood potential was not emphasized. In addition, misunderstanding of assigned service areas in the hydrologic program may have caused some problems. However, the Flash Flood Alert, Watch and Warning program did not function as planned. User response indicated that many people did not hear the latest weather forecast and warning because of their and the broadcast news media's weekend routines differ from the normal work week. After review the Operations of the National Weather Service, methods and timing of forecast and warning dissemination and timing of loss of life, six recommendations have been made for service improvement." System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader 1971 NWS (National Weather Service) Library Public Domain 1931