Montgomery County Agencies Respond to Flooding, Providing Support to Displaced County Residents

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Montgomery County is responding to and providing support following overnight flooding in parts of the County. Additional flood watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service remain in effect through Thursday morning. For the latest information and to see if your area will be impacted click here and enter your zip code. 

A reception center has been opened by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) at the Mid-County Community Recreation Center located at 2004 Queensguard Rd. in Silver Spring. The center can provide assistance to residents impacted by flooding. The reception center will remain open until 10 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, Sept. 1. The County will continue to provide updates as they become available. The Red Cross and DHHS will be on site to assist. Animals are welcome at the reception center, but residents are encouraged to inform DHHS of any pet needs.

County emergency responders and planners encourage residents to stay aware of the changing weather forecasts and make plans to stay safe. For emergencies, call 9-1-1 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. 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.

Floods are both common and dangerous. They can occur because of short, prolonged periods of rain, tropical storms and hurricanes or dam breaches. It is important to take precautions before a flood happens. Some floods develop slowly while flash floods can develop in just a few minutes. For more information and flood safety tips, visit: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/OEMHS/hazards/natural/flood.html.

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. 
• 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 SUVs 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. Do not drive across roads that are not visible. 
• Heed all flooding alerts and warnings from public safety officials. 

Driving Precautions during Heavy Rain and Flooding: 

• 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. 
• If you encounter high water, turn around and drive to a safe spot. Call the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000 to report the situation to emergency personnel. 
• Never drive around a street barricade. 
• If your vehicle is trapped in high water, call 9-1-1 for rescue. Get to higher ground if you can safely do so. 
• Six 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 to determine depth and any underwater debris. 

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 – north of White Oak
• MD 185 (Conn. Ave) at Rock Creek – south 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 – south 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 – north of Brookeville
• MD 124 (Woodfield Rd) at Goshen Branch and at Great Seneca Creek – north of Brink Road
• MD 117 (Clopper Rd) at Great Seneca Creek – west. of Gaithersburg
• MD 117 (Clopper Rd) at Little Seneca Creek – east of Boyds
• MD 355 (Frederick Rd) at Little Seneca Creek – west of Brink
• MD 121 (Clarksburg Rd) near Little Seneca Lake – north of Boyds
• MD 118 (Germantown Rd) at Great Seneca Creek – south of Germantown
• River Rd and Berryville Rd at Seneca Creek
• Blunt Road at Great Seneca Creek – south of Brink Road
• Davis Mill Rd at Great Seneca Creek – north of Gaithersburg
• Brighton Dam Rd at Hawlings River – northeast of Brookeville
• Goldmine Rd at Hawlings River – east of Olney
• Zion Rd at Hawlings River – east of Laytonsville
• Hoyles Mill Rd at ford of Little Seneca Creek – Germantown, west of the soccer complex
• Loghouse Rd at Magruder Branch – south of Damascus
• Elton Farm Rd at Haights Branch – north of Sunshine
• Howard Chapel Rd at Haights Branch – north of Sunshine
• White’s Ferry Road and River Road – White’s Ferry

 

Release ID: 21-690
Media Contact: Monika Hammer 240-463-2442
Categories: Public Safety