Efforts Continue in Montgomery County to Restore Power and Clean Up Damage Following Severe Weather Weekend

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Montgomery County officials continued storm cleanup efforts days after severe storms and heavy rain caused significant damage and power outages on Saturday evening.  

“Even though efforts to clear and repair damage from this weekend’s storms continue across Montgomery County, I want to recognize and thank our storm responders for their hard work and long hours,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Over the last few days, countless Montgomery County Government employees have worked diligently to help residents and businesses recovering from severe storm damage. We assisted those in need to find shelter, rescued boaters during the thunderstorms, removed trees and debris from streets and sidewalks, distributed water on Ride On buses and directed traffic when lights were out. I thank my County colleagues, as well as those working for the State and utility companies, for their response to these storms. Their tireless efforts made recovery from a difficult weekend much better for so many people.”  

Public Safety 

The County Emergency Communications Center handled 1,300 calls on Friday, and 1,740 calls on Saturday. From Friday evening through Saturday evening, Montgomery County Fire Rescue and the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) responded to more than 200 calls for service. The MCPD Emergency Services Unit helped clear downed trees blocking several roadways so emergency vehicles and other traffic could pass. 

Transportation (MCDOT) 

Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Highway Services crews continue to work around the clock to address downed trees and electrical wires caused by this weekend’s severe thunderstorms. As of Monday evening, MCOT staff cleared more than 160 fallen trees, including two trees that fell on houses, and one tree that fell within an apartment complex. MCDOT Highway Services also responded to and secured areas for at least 31 downed live electrical wires.   

Drivers are reminded to treat an intersection without a working traffic signal as a four-way stop. 

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)  

During the storm and its aftermath, DHHS staff, along with help from the Medical Reserve Corps and the American Red Cross of the National Capital and Greater Chesapeake Region, opened a temporary shelter in North Bethesda for residents affected by power outages.   

Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) 

OEMHS worked closely with the National Weather Service for updated, customized forecasting that provided precise expectations for Montgomery County during the heat emergency and severe weather. OEMHS responded to the Braxfield Court apartments in North Bethesda for reports of multiple trees down on several apartment buildings and damage that left many units uninhabitable. A temporary shelter was set up by American Red Cross volunteers and DHHS staff provided nursing and case management assistance as needed. 

OEMHS will continue to work with community partners, County agencies, Pepco and the public until power is fully restored to affected homes and businesses. 

Sign up for the County's Alert Montgomery notification system to receive emergency alerts regarding weather and other emergency information. The Alert Montgomery System provides accurate and immediate emergency notifications from Montgomery County to your cell, work, or home phones via text, email, or voice message to receive notifications about emergencies that may affect your home, workplace, child's school or any other locations within the County. For additional emergency information, visit the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security’s website.  

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Release ID: 23-336
Media Contact: Mark Roper 240-962-1743
Categories: Executive Office, Public Safety