Several Roads Close, Storm Operations Center Opens

For Immediate Release: Monday, July 8, 2019

Residents Cautioned to Avoid Flooded Roadways

The MCDOT Storm Operations Center opened this morning to help respond to complications from heavy rainfall. Western Montgomery County has received over 2-5” of rain within the last six hours with some locations receiving higher amounts. Another half inch of rain is possible before rain tapers off midday. Most of Montgomery County remains under a flood warning until 2:00 p.m. There are reports of multiple instances of flooded roadways and water rescues. If you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around—don’t drown!  

Delay travel plans, if possible, until weather conditions improve. 

Flooding is the leading cause of severe weather-related deaths in the U.S., claiming on average nearly 100 lives a year. Most of these deaths occur in motor vehicles when people attempt to drive through flooded roadways. Many other lives are lost when people walk into or near flood waters. This happens because people underestimate the force and power of water, especially when it’s moving. 

Don’t walk or drive on flooded streets. Twelve to 18 inches of flowing water is powerful enough to carry away most vehicles, including large SUVs. 

Current Road Closures

Release ID: 19-110
Media Contact: Maureen McNulty 240-777-7199