TURN AROUND - DON’T DROWN and Try an Alternate Route! List of Roads That Flood

Many Roads in Montgomery County Susceptible to Flooding so Consider Alternate Routes Beforehand!

We have had a lot of rain so far and more is potentially expected later today and this evening!  County residents are urged to be alert to changing weather conditions and should be prepared for possible flash flooding over the next twenty four hours as a storm system will move into the area and could bring heavy rains. 

  

Flash floods more often occur in mountain streams, hilly areas or low-lying areas.  But they do happen in urban and suburban areas like Montgomery County, as well.  Flash floods can occur even though it's not raining where you are.  It may be raining hard farther upstream and raining so hard that the water can not be absorbed into the ground.

Safety Tips: 

If a flash flood warning is issued, act immediately.  Don't wait for high water to dictate your course of action. 

Know your location when you are driving.  If you needed rescue, would you be able to direct emergency crews to your location?  Distracted driving can lead to a situation where you are stranded and unable to direct emergency crews to you.  Be alert! 

  

Never drive through a flooded road or bridge.  Turn Around - Don’t Drown and try an alternate route!  In many cases, it takes far less than a foot of water to incapacitate a vehicle.  It may stall, leaving you stranded, and depending on the level of water, you may not be able to open a vehicle door.  Do not underestimate the power of moving water. 

  

Watch for flooding at bridges and dips in the road.  Never drive where water is over bridges or roads. Turn around - Don’t Drown!  The bridges or the road could suddenly be washed out. If you're driving at night be especially careful.  Often visibility is limited due to wind and rain. 

  

Often what you can't see below the surface of the water is far more dangerous than the high levels of that water.  Remember that rocks, tree limbs and other debris can be caught in moving water and can be dangerous if you are forced to walk, wade or swim through flood waters. 

  

If you have to walk or wade through flood water, use a stick to poke the ground in front of you with each step.  It can help you determine water levels, the bottom surface and the safest possible way to get to higher ground. 

  

Remember that flash floods can come without warning, and sometimes without weather.  Be alert and heed all warnings and recommendations from officials. From FEMA's website, some further information about driving through flooded roadways:

• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
• A foot of water will float many vehicles.  
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV's) and pick-ups

TURN AROUND - DON’T DROWN and try an alternate route!

ROADS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY SUBJECT TO PERIODIC FLOODING: 

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 (Viers 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 - Seneca 

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 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 

MORE: http://www.scribd.com/doc/50454109/Street-Flooding-Hazards

Reminder: There Is a Flash Flood Watch In Effect

While we are in between storms, I just wanted to remind everyone that there is also a Flash Flood Watch in effect until this evening.  With all of the talk about lightning and wind – and that is important – I want to make sure all of you are aware of ALL the potential issues that could occur today.

Photo from a previous incident

Below, please find links to two recent blog posts that you will find useful.  Unfortunately, we here at MCFRS had several calls for water rescues on roadways earlier in the week.  PLEASE remember to “Turn Around and Do Not Drown!”  Too many seem to be ignoring this very simple preventive step.  You are putting not only yourself at risk but also the lives of our Firefighters who must now try and rescue you!

TURN AROUND - DON’T DROWN and Try an Alternate Route! List of Roads That Flood.

Google Map Showing Locations of Water Rescues During January 2013 Flooding

Make sure you are able to keep informed today of the potentially evolving weather forecast!  Be aware and prepared! 

As always: Stay Safe!

Bill D

Current Road Closures & Tips

Some information all of you might find useful in lieu of the weather forecast for today and the rest of the week.  There is a Flash Flood watch for the County through at least this evening as well as a tornado watch until 10 PM. 

Directly below is a list of roads currently closed due to high water include:

- Kingsley Road between Burnt Hill Road and Stringtown Road;
- West Old Baltimore Road at the creek;
- Kingstead Road between Kings Valley Road and Burnt Hill Road;
- Berryville Road at the creek;
- Riffleford Road at the creek; and
- Log House Road between Newbury Road and Founders Road.

Report flooded roadways by calling 311 in Montgomery County (or 240-777-0311) during normal business hours (Monday through Friday 7AM – 7PM).  You can also go to  http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/311 as well.

Some recent blog posts you might find helpful:

TURN AROUND - DON’T DROWN and Try an Alternate Route! List of Roads That Flood.

Google Map Showing Locations of Water Rescues During January 2013 Flooding

Be safe, be watchful and be prepared!

Montgomery County Road Closures

The following roads are closed or have a portion closed due to water, trees down, or wires down.  
 
** As a reminder, Montgomery County urges residents to stay in a safe place and avoid traveling today. Hazards including winds and flooding may still occur and create unsafe road conditions. **
 
Flooded Roads -
• Howard Chapel Rd.
• Edwards Ferry Rd.
• Emory La.
• Gold Mine Rd.
• W. Old Baltimore Rd.
• Newcut Rd.
• Zion Rd.
• Brookeville Rd.
• Kensington Pkwy.
• Quince Orchard Rd.
• Log House Rd.
• Brighton Dam Rd.
• Gue Rd.
• Elton Farm Rd.
• Fleming Ave.
• Brink Rd.
• Stockton Rd.
• Riffle Ford Rd.
• 25815 Woodfield Rd.
• Strathmore Ave. @ MD355
• Colesville Rd. (a mile north of University Blvd, just south of Lockwood Dr)
 
Tree Down w/Wires -
• Chesterfield Rd.
• Peach Tree Rd.
• Watkins Rd.
• Brink Rd.
• Astoria La.
• Davis Mill Rd.
• Arrowood Rd. @ Kittery La.
• 5950 Grosvenor La.
• S. Glen Rd. @ Glen Mill Rd.
• MacArthur Blvd. @ Whiterim Dr.
• 13108 Brandown Wayr
• 5310 Oakland Rd.
 
 
Tree Down –
• White Ground Rd. @ Schaffer Rd.
• 12700 Middlebrook Rd.
• Montgomery Village Ave. @ Walkers Choice Rd.
• Shiloh Church Rd. @ Conrad Springs
• Scenery Dr. @ Germantown Rd.
• Peachtree Rd. @ Comus Rd.
• Doubleland Rd. @ Frontwell Cir.
• W. Old Baltimore Rd. @ Peachtree Rd.
• Twinbrook Pkwy @ MD355
• Hipsley Mill Rd. @ Damascus Rd.
 
Park Roads –
• Little Falls Pkwy.
• Beach Dr.
 
Re-Opened Roads –
• Arcola Ave.
• Georgia Ave.
• Killdeer Dr.
• Westlake Dr.

Sent to All users (E-mail accounts) through Alert Montgomery

FLASH FLOOD Watch: List of Roads That Flood & Safety Tips

Many Roads in Montgomery County Susceptible to Flooding so Consider Alternate Routes Beforehand!

There is a FLASH FLOOD Watch in effect for the County until 11 PM tonight!  County residents are urged to be alert to changing weather conditions and should be prepared for possible flash flooding over the next several hours as storm systems continue to move into the area and could bring heavy rains. 

  

Flash floods more often occur in mountain streams, hilly areas or low-lying areas.  But they do happen in urban and suburban areas like Montgomery County, as well.  Flash floods can occur even though it's not raining where you are.  It may be raining hard farther upstream and raining so hard that the water can not be absorbed into the ground.

  

Safety Tips: 

If a flash flood warning is issued, act immediately.  Don't wait for high water to dictate your course of action.


Know your location when you are driving.  If you needed rescue, would you be able to direct emergency crews to your location?  Distracted driving can lead to a situation where you are stranded and unable to direct emergency crews to you.  Be alert!


Never drive through a flooded road or bridge.  Turn Around - Don’t Drown and try an alternate route! In many cases, it takes far less than a foot of water to incapacitate a vehicle.  It may stall, leaving you stranded, and depending on the level of water, you may not be able to open a vehicle door.  Do not underestimate the power of moving water.

Watch for flooding at bridges and dips in the road.  Never drive where water is over bridges or roads. Turn around - Don’t Drown!  The bridges or the road could suddenly be washed out. If you're driving at night be especially careful.  Often visibility is limited due to wind and rain. 
  
Often what you can't see below the surface of the water is far more dangerous than the high levels of that water.  Remember that rocks, tree limbs and other debris can be caught in moving water and can be dangerous if you are forced to walk, wade or swim through flood waters.


If you have to walk or wade through flood water, use a stick to poke the ground in front of you with each step.  It can help you determine water levels, the bottom surface and the safest possible way to get to higher ground. 

  

Remember that flash floods can come without warning, and sometimes without weather.  Be alert and heed all warnings and recommendations from officials. From FEMA's website, some further information about driving through flooded roadways:

• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
• A foot of water will float many vehicles.  
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV's) and pick-ups

TURN AROUND - DON’T DROWN and try an alternate route!

ROADS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY SUBJECT TO PERIODIC FLOODING: 

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 (Viers 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 - Seneca 

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 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 

MORE: http://www.scribd.com/doc/50454109/Street-Flooding-Hazards

Road and Intersection Closures Due to Flooding

Roads Closed Due to Flooding

From Nat'l Weather Service/NOAA

1. Kensington Pkwy - Beach Dr. To 495 Bridge

2. Comus Rd. - Peach Tree Rd. To Frederick County line

3. Greentree Rd. - Fernwood Rd. To Friars Rd

4. Quince Orchard Rd. - Horse Center Dr. To Hidden Brook

5. Kendale Dr. - Kentsdale Rd. To Bradley Blvd.
6. Old Baltimore Rd - Clarksburg Rd To Ten Mile Creek Rd

7. 15000 - 15400 Block of W Willard Road

8. 13000 - 13600 Block of Rileys Lock Road

9. 14200 Block of Berryville Rd.

Intersection Closures due to Flooding

1. Barnes Rd and Clarksburg Rd
2. Barnesville Rd and Mt. Ephraim Rd.
3. Bay Tree La and Bent Branch Rd.
4. Bay Tree La and Mohican Rd.
5. Bethesda Church Rd. and Clarksburg Rd.
6. Blunt Rd. and Neelsville Church Rd.
7. Blunt Rd. and Scenery Dr.
8. Blunt Rd. and Watkins Mill Rd.
9. Brandon Way Rd. and Riffle Ford Rd.
10. Game Preserve Rd. and I-270
11. Locbury Dr. and Waters Rd.
12. Locbury Dr. and Wisteria Dr.
13. Mohican Rd. and Bent Branch Rd.
14. Neelsville Church Rd. and Watkins Mill Rd.  

Storms on the Way! Flooding Possible - Are You Ready? Tips and List of Roads That Flood.

Turn Around - Don’t Drown!  Many Roads in Montgomery County Susceptible to Flooding so Consider Alternate Routes Beforehand!

County residents are urged to be alert to changing weather conditions and should be prepared for possible flash flooding later today through early tomorrow as a storm system is expected to bring heavy rains.

When it rains heavily, there may be flash floods, flood warnings and flood watches issued. Flash floods more often occur in mountain streams, hilly areas or low-lying areas. But they do happen in urban and suburban areas like Montgomery County, as well. Flash floods can occur even though it's not raining where you are. It may be raining hard farther upstream and raining so hard that the water can not be absorbed into the ground.

Safety Tips:

If a flash flood warning is issued, act immediately. Don't wait for high water to dictate your course of action.

Know your location when you are driving. If you needed rescue, would you be able to direct emergency crews to your location? Distracted driving can lead to a situation where you are stranded and unable to direct emergency crews to you. Be alert!

Never drive through a flooded road or bridge. Turn Around - Don’t Drown and try an alternate route! In many cases, it takes far less than a foot of water to incapacitate a vehicle. It may stall, leaving you stranded, and depending on the level of water, you may not be able to open a vehicle door. Do not underestimate the power of moving water.

Watch for flooding at bridges and dips in the road. Never drive where water is over bridges or roads. Turn around - Don’t Drown! The bridges or the road could suddenly be washed out. If you're driving at night be especially careful. Often visibility is limited due to wind and rain.

Often what you can't see below the surface of the water is far more dangerous than the high levels of that water. Remember that rocks, tree limbs and other debris can be caught in moving water and can be dangerous if you are forced to walk, wade or swim through flood waters.

If you have to walk or wade through flood water, use a stick to poke the ground in front of you with each step. It can help you determine water levels, the bottom surface and the safest possible way to get to higher ground.

Remember that flash floods can come without warning, and sometimes without weather. Be alert and heed all warnings and recommendations from officials. From FEMA's website, some further information about driving through flooded roadways:

Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.

A foot of water will float many vehicles.

Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV's) and pick-ups

TURN AROUND - DON’T DROWN and try an alternate route!

ROADS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY SUBJECT TO PERIODIC FLOODING:

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 (Viers 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 - Seneca

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 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

More at: Street Flooding Hazards

Turn Around - Don’t Drown!

Many Roads in Montgomery County Susceptible to Flooding so Consider Alternate Routes Beforehand!

County residents are urged to be alert to changing weather conditions and should be prepared for possible flash flooding over the next 24 hours as a storm system already in our area is expected to bring heavy rains.

When it rains heavily, there may be flash floods, flood warnings and flood watches issued. Flash floods more often occur in mountain streams, hilly areas or low-lying areas. But they do happen in urban and suburban areas like Montgomery County, as well. Flash floods can occur even though it's not raining where you are. It may be raining hard farther upstream and raining so hard that the water can not be absorbed into the ground.
Safety Tips:

If a flash flood warning is issued, act immediately. Don't wait for high water to dictate your course of action.

Know your location when you are driving. If you needed rescue, would you be able to direct emergency crews to your location? Distracted driving can lead to a situation where you are stranded and unable to direct emergency crews to you. Be alert!

Never drive through a flooded road or bridge. Turn Around - Don’t Drown and try an alternate route! In many cases, it takes far less than a foot of water to incapacitate a vehicle. It may stall, leaving you stranded, and depending on the level of water, you may not be able to open a vehicle door. Do not underestimate the power of moving water.

Watch for flooding at bridges and dips in the road. Never drive where water is over bridges or roads. Turn around - Don’t Drown! The bridges or the road could suddenly be washed out. If you're driving at night be especially careful. Often visibility is limited due to wind and rain.

Often what you can't see below the surface of the water is far more dangerous than the high levels of that water. Remember that rocks, tree limbs and other debris can be caught in moving water and can be dangerous if you are forced to walk, wade or swim through flood waters.

If you have to walk or wade through flood water, use a stick to poke the ground in front of you with each step. It can help you determine water levels, the bottom surface and the safest possible way to get to higher ground.

Remember that flash floods can come without warning, and sometimes without weather. Be alert and heed all warnings and recommendations from officials. From FEMA's website, some further information about driving through flooded roadways:

Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.

A foot of water will float many vehicles.

Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV's) and pick-ups

TURN AROUND - DON’T DROWN and try an alternate route!

ROADS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY SUBJECT TO PERIODIC FLOODING:

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 (Viers 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 - Seneca
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 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

More at: Street Flooding Hazards

Potomac Flooding Update, Roads That May Flood & Safety Tips

Due to the rainfall in the last 24 hours and the forecasted rise in the Potomac River level all County residents are urged to be alert and heed all warnings and recommendations from officials.  Flash floods can come without warning and sometimes without weather.

In addition, the Potomac River is extremely dangerous and no one should consider any activity near the banks of the river! 

The Potomac will hit flood stage on Monday and crest at about 11 feet mid to late day Monday.  Current river level at Little Falls Dam – 7.8 feet at 0645 April 17^th, with crest at 11 feet during the early evening hours on Monday April 18^th.  People living in low laying areas along the Potomac River should ensure they are aware of the rising water level and the impact on access and egress to their homes should they need to evacuate OR have a need for emergency fire, rescue, or police response. 

Fire and Rescue personnel from Fire Stations 31(Darnestown), 30 and 10 (Cabin John/Potomac) will be going to their low flood prone areas and ensure the residents in those areas are aware that they have  less than 24 hours before access will be limited to their areas.  They will also check all boat launching areas - twice a day until Wednesday – to assess any limitations of vehicle access and boat launching for the MCFRS River Rescue Team.

Know areas of concern when the Potomac River reaches or exceeds flood stage include:     

      

•             Riley's Lock Road (Seneca Boat Ramp)
•             Lock 10
•             Park areas near Swains Lock
•             Park areas near Pennyfield Lock
•             Park/Picnic area at Violets Lock

Also please note: List of Roads in Montgomery County Subject to Periodic Flooding

Remember, never drive through a flooded road or bridge. Turn Around - Don’t Drown!  Try an alternate route!  

List of Roads in Montgomery County Subject to Periodic Flooding

Please take a moment to review the list below and see if any are streets you would potentially travel today or tomorrow. If there are some streets listed you may be thinking of driving on today, please reconsider and try an alternate route.

Plan ahead now before going anywhere today or tomorrow! 

Remember, never drive through a flooded road or bridge. Turn Around - Don’t Drown and try an alternate route!

Street Flooding Hazards

Turn Around - Don’t Drown!

Many Roads in Montgomery County Susceptible to Flooding so Consider Alternate Routes Beforehand!

County residents are urged to be alert to changing weather conditions and should be prepared for possible flash flooding over the next 24 hours as a storm system moves into the area and is expected to bring heavy rains.

  

When it rains heavily, there may be flash floods, flood warnings and flood watches issued.  Flash floods more often occur in mountain streams, hilly areas or low-lying areas.  But they do happen in urban and suburban areas like Montgomery County, as well.  Flash floods can occur even though it's not raining where you are.  It may be raining hard farther upstream and raining so hard that the water can not be absorbed into the ground.

  

Safety Tips:

If a flash flood warning is issued, act immediately.  Don't wait for high water to dictate your course of action.

Know your location when you are driving.  If you needed rescue, would you be able to direct emergency crews to your location?  Distracted driving can lead to a situation where you are stranded and unable to direct emergency crews to you.  Be alert!

  

Never drive through a flooded road or bridge.  Turn Around - Don’t Drown and try an alternate route!  In many cases, it takes far less than a foot of water to incapacitate a vehicle.  It may stall, leaving you stranded, and depending on the level of water, you may not be able to open a vehicle door.  Do not underestimate the power of moving water.

  

Watch for flooding at bridges and dips in the road.  Never drive where water is over bridges or roads. Turn around - Don’t Drown!  The bridges or the road could suddenly be washed out. If you're driving at night be especially careful.  Often visibility is limited due to wind and rain.

  

Often what you can't see below the surface of the water is far more dangerous than the high levels of that water.  Remember that rocks, tree limbs and other debris can be caught in moving water and can be dangerous if you are forced to walk, wade or swim through flood waters.

  

If you have to walk or wade through flood water, use a stick to poke the ground in front of you with each step.  It can help you determine water levels, the bottom surface and the safest possible way to get to higher ground.

  

Remember that flash floods can come without warning, and sometimes without weather.  Be alert and heed all warnings and recommendations from officials. From FEMA's website, some further information about driving through flooded roadways:

• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
• A foot of water will float many vehicles.  
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV's) and pick-ups

TURN AROUND - DON’T DROWN and try an alternate route!

ROADS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY SUBJECT TO PERIODIC FLOODING:

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 (Viers 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 - Seneca

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 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

NEWS ADVISORY: Community Emergency Response Team Takes Training on the Road

MC CERT team with Montouis Haiti 'Lifesavers' June 2010.
CERT Program Manager Greg St. James in middle with Hawaiian shirt.

Montgomery County Fire Chief Richard Bowers announced the results of the County’s Community Emergency Response Team’s (CERT) training mission to Montrouis, Haiti. A team of three CERT volunteers, led by Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service CERT Program Manager Greg St. James, traveled to Haiti in June 2010 to conduct training in community-based disaster preparedness and response. Using modified lessons based on FEMA’s CERT curriculum, a train-the-trainer model was developed to meet the needs of Haiti’s population. The mission was funded by individual donations and a grant from the Rockville Rotary Club.

The Montgomery County trainers instructed a 'sister' team of 25 Haitian residents in the seaside town of Montrouis in first aid, basic search and rescue strategies and swift water rescue techniques using 'low tech' or minimal equipment. Since June, the Montrouis team (known as “Sove La Vie” or Lifesavers) has responded to severe flooding in July and the most recent Hurricane. The CERT “Lifesavers” team safely evacuated over 350 people from rising water, including several who had suffered serious injuries requiring additional medical treatment.

CERT Medic David Smith instructs Haitian team in June 2010

"CERT plays an important role in the recovery of communities in times of crisis and we are fortunate to be able to take our training on the road and help communities in Haiti to be safer and stronger in the future,” said Chief Bowers. “This training is an example of the value of community-based disaster readiness and response by ordinary citizens, both in Haiti and here in Montgomery County." said Chief Bowers. "The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service has made a multi-year commitment to training residents and enhancing neighborhood readiness with CERT teams. This is an important part of our public safety mission and the success in Haiti demonstrates its value. I offer my sincere congratulations to the Montrouis Lifesavers for a job well done!"

The Montgomery County CERT program is comprised of over 250 volunteers and offers frequent training classes in disaster readiness, CPR, fire safety and first aid free of charge to county residents. The next CERT class is set for January 2011. To learn more visit www.montgomerycert.org, or contact Greg St. James at 240-777-2407.

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Safety Tips and Roads in County Subject to Periodic Flooding

County residents are urged to be alert to changing weather conditions and should be prepared for possible flash flooding over the next 24 hours as a storm system moves into the area and is expected to bring heavy rains.

The National Weather Service has issued a FLASH FLOOD WATCH WARNING for Montgomery County until Thursday Evening 10:45AM Thursday. In excess of 4" of rainfall may be possible in some areas. Expected heavy rains may have the potential to cause severe and unexpected flash flooding within the next 24 hours.

Photo from The River Rescue and
Tactical Services (RRATS) web site

When it rains heavily, there may be flash floods, flood warnings and flood watches issued. Flash floods more often occur in mountain streams, hilly areas or low-lying areas. But they do happen in urban and suburban areas like Montgomery County, as well. Flash floods can occur even though it's not raining where you are. It may be raining hard farther upstream and raining so hard that the water can not be absorbed into the ground.

Safety Tips:

If a flash flood warning is issued, act immediately. Don't wait for high water to dictate your course of action.

Know your location when you are driving. If you needed rescue, would you be able to direct emergency crews to your location? Distracted driving can lead to a situation where you are stranded and unable to direct emergency crews to you. Be alert!

Never drive through a flooded road or bridge. Back up and try a different route. In many cases, it takes far less than a foot of water to incapacitate a vehicle. It may stall, leaving you stranded, and depending on the level of water, you may not be able to open a vehicle door. Do not underestimate the power of moving water.

Stay on high ground. If your car is trapped, get out if you can safety do so. Move to higher ground. If you're driving through a hilly area or place that is subject to flooding along a stream and hear a flash flood warning, go to high ground – never try to outrun a flash flood.

Watch for flooding at bridges and dips in the road. Never drive where water is over bridges or roads. Turn around. The bridges or the road could suddenly be washed out. If you're driving at night be especially careful. Often visibility is limited due to wind and rain. If you should drive into water, don't try to drive out of it. Get out of the car and safely return to higher ground.

Often what you can't see below the surface of the water is far more dangerous than the high levels of that water. Remember that rocks, tree limbs and other debris can be caught in moving water and can be dangerous if you are forced to walk, wade or swim through flood waters.

If you have to walk or wade through flood water, use a stick to poke the ground in front of you with each step. It can help you determine water levels, the bottom surface and the safest possible way to get to higher ground.

Remember that flash floods can come without warning, and sometimes without weather. Be alert and heed all warnings and recommendations from officials.

From FEMA's website, some further information about driving through flooded roadways:

Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.

A foot of water will float many vehicles.

Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV's) and pick-ups

DON’T DROWN – TURN AROUND!

ROADS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY SUBJECT TO PERIODIC FLOODING:

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 (Viers 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 - Seneca
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 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

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