The Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) has shared that there were 13 road closures during the storm this past Tuesday, with additional storms coming this evening.
Montgomery County has 35 flood sensors that warn Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS), Montgomery County Police, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, and others that a road may need closing. Per OEMHS, “If you approach a flooded road: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
LIST OF ROADS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY SUBJECT TO PERIODIC FLOODING
Per MCFRS: “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!”