UPDATE: O'Malley Declares State of Emergency for Flooding

Update, 5:36 p.m.: Gov. Martin O’Malley declared a State of Emergency in Maryland because of potential flooding. This declaration calls the Maryland National Guard to active service and gives emergency operations access to state resources when needed.

“I have ordered state emergency personnel and resources to be available statewide as we safeguard Maryland against the effects of this heavy rain," Governor O’Malley said in a statement. “I ask Marylanders to monitor their local news outlets in the coming days for further information.”

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency activated a Level 3 this afternoon, meaning state agencies involved in firefighting, rescue, law enforcement, transportation, hospitals, utilities, evacuation and others will join MEMA staff in the state emergency operations center in Reisterstown. In addition, the MEMA 24/7 Joint Operations Center has been monitoring the weather and been in contact with local jurisdictions to manage any weather-related concerns.

Original post, 5:10 p.m.: Rain has been showering Prince George’s County all afternoon, and now the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch until midnight tonight.

A flood watch means there is potential for flooding based on current forecasts. Those living in flood-prone areas should be prepared and take caution.

According to the watch, moderate to heavy rain will continue throughout this evening with 2 to 3 inches of accumulated rainfall expected. Flooding is expected in low-lying and urban areas, as well as in small streams and creeks.

Pepco is already reporting some flooding on its StormCenter map in Beltsville and just inside of Washington, D.C.

Let Patch know if your power is out or this is flooding in your neighborhood.