Family members waded through waste-deep water to reach their children in Western Maryland on Tuesday after torrential rain quickly inundated three schools in Allegany County, prompting emergency rescues.

Rescue boats were used to evacuate an elementary school in Allegany County, Maryland Tuesday as heavy rains brought flooding to the region, the county’s emergency services department said.

Students and staff at Westernport Elementary School in Maryland evacuated the school on rescue boats as flood water reached the ceiling of the first floor.