County Encourages Residents to Prepare for Heavy Rains and Potential Flooding

For Immediate Release: Friday, July 28, 2017

The National Weather Service is issuing a Flash Flood Warning, July 28. A Flood Warning is issued when flash flooding of streams, creeks and low lying areas is occurring or imminent. The County is expected to get between three and five inches of rain during that time with periods of very heavy rain within sustained steady and moderate rainfall. For info on location and timing click here.

Montgomery County emergency responders and planners encourage residents to stay aware of the changing weather forecasts and make plans in advance to mitigate their effects. 

In Anticipation of Flooding:

• If possible, clear storm drains of leaves and debris and check gutters. 
• If your basement is prone to flooding, move valuables to a higher location. 
• Store valuables and important personal papers in a waterproof container. 
• Avoid areas subject to flooding, including low spots, canals and streams. Know alternate routes to avoid those areas. 
• Remember, never attempt to drive over a flooded road – you can be stranded or trapped. The depth of the water and the condition of the road is not always obvious and very difficult to determine at night.

Flooding Facts:

• Flash floods develop from intense storms dropping large amounts of water in a short time. Flash floods occur with little or no warning. During periods of urban flooding, streets can become swift moving rivers and basements can fill with water. 
• If a Flash Flood Warning, issued when flooding is imminent or occurring, goes into effect, take immediate precautions. 
• In many cases it takes less than a foot of water to incapacitate a vehicle. 
• A foot of water will float many vehicles; two feet of rushing water will carry away most vehicles including SUV’s and pick-up trucks. 
• Swiftly moving floodwaters of six inches will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing lack of control and possible stalling. 
• Roads covered by floodwaters could already be washed away; don’t drive across roads that are not visible. 
• Heed all flooding alerts and warnings from public safety officials. 

Driving Precautions during Heavy Rain and Flooding: 

• Always exercise caution on roadways during periods of heavy rain: use headlights whenever you use windshield wipers, reduce speeds and maintain a safe distance between vehicles. 
• Know your location and do not become distracted while driving. If you need public safety assistance, you need to be able to provide your specific location. 
• f you encounter high water, turn around and drive to a safe spot. Call the police non-emergency number – 301-279-8000 to report the situation to emergency personnel. 
• ever drive around a street barricade. 
• f your vehicle is trapped in high water call 9-1-1 for rescue. Get out and go to higher ground if you can safely do so. 
• ix inches of water can sweep a person off their feet and rocks, tree limbs and other debris can be caught in moving water and be dangerous to you when walking, wading or swimming through flood waters. 
• If you have to walk or wade through flood water, use a stick to poke the ground in front of you to determine depth and any underwater debris. 

For emergencies, call 911 immediately. For information about County programs and services, call 3-1-1 (use 240-777-0311 for cell phones), between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or go anytime to the call center’s online portal at www.MC311.com. The hours at the MC311 call center will be extended this weekend if weather conditions warrant. 

To stay informed during a severe weather event, major crisis or other type of emergency, sign up for the County’s “Alert Montgomery” emergency warning system. Learn more at: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/OEMHS/AlertMontgomery.
Below is a list of some of the roads in Montgomery County that could be affected by high water.  This is not meant to be an inclusive list and all motorists should remain cautious when driving.

DOWN-COUNTY AREAS

• MD 29 (Columbia Pike) at Paint Branch – N. of White Oak
• MD 185 (Conn. Ave) at Rock Creek – S. of Kensington
• MD 190 (River Road) at Cabin John Creek – Potomac
• MD 193 (Univ. Blvd) at Sligo Creek – Wheaton
• MD 586 (Veirs Mill Rd) at Rock Creek – S. of Twinbrook Pkwy
• Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park – Kensington-Chevy Chase
• Sligo Creek Pkwy – Silver Spring-Takoma Park

UP-COUNTY AREAS

• MD 97 (Georgia Ave) at Reddy Branch – N. of Brookeville
• MD 124 (Woodfield Rd) at Goshen Branch and at Gr. Seneca Creek – N. of Brink Rd.
• MD 117 (Clopper Rd) at Gr. Seneca Creek – W. of Gaithersburg
• MD 117 (Clopper Rd) at Little Seneca Creek  – E. of Boyds
• MD 355 (Frederick Rd) at Little Seneca Creek – W. of Brink
• MD 121 (Clarksburg Rd) near Little Seneca Lake – N. of Boyds
• MD 118 (Germantown Rd) at Great Seneca Creek – S. of Germantown
• River Rd and Berryville Rd at Seneca Creek
• Blunt Road at Great Seneca Creek – S. of Brink Rd.
• Davis Mill Rd at Great Seneca Creek – N. of Gaithersburg
• Brighton Dam Rd at Hawlings River – NE of Brookeville
• Goldmine Rd at Hawlings River – E of Olney
• Zion Rd at Hawlings River – E. of Laytonsville
• Hoyles Mill Rd at ford of Little Seneca Creek – Germantown, west of the soccer complex
• Loghouse Rd at Magruder Branch – S. of Damascus
• Elton Farm Rd at Haights Branch – N. of Sunshine
• Howard Chapel Rd at Haights Branch – N. of Sunshine
• White’s Ferry Road and River Road – White’s Ferry

Release ID: 17-439
Media Contact: Public Information Office 240-777-6507