Flood Watch for Prince George's County

Media Contact: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

mebrady@co.pg.md.us    @PGFDPIO

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Prince George's County starting this evening and through the night.  If you must drive be aware that any road could incur flash flooding but we have listed the most common roadways prone to flooding.  We have also included flood safety tips for you to review with family, friends and co-workers.

From the NWS:

Flood Watch

FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC
1149 AM EDT WED SEP 24 2014

...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM EDT THIS EVENING
THROUGH LATE TONIGHT...

THE FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR

* FROM 6 PM EDT THIS EVENING THROUGH LATE TONIGHT

* LOW PRESSURE APPROACHING FROM THE SOUTHERN ATLANTIC STATES WILL
  BRING PERIODS OF MODERATE TO HEAVY RAIN ACROSS PORTIONS OF THE
  AREA LATE THIS EVENING AND CONTINUE OVERNIGHT. ONE TO TWO
  INCHES OF RAIN WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS ARE EXPECTED BY EARLY
  THURSDAY.

* PERSISTENT MODERATE TO LOCALLY HEAVY RAIN MAY CAUSE FLOODING OF
  LOW LYING AREAS...ESPECIALLY IN URBAN AREAS AND LOCATIONS PRONE
  TO FRESHWATER FLOODING. NEVER CROSS ROADS THAT ARE FLOODED. TURN
  AROUND DON`T DROWN.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING BASED ON
CURRENT FORECASTS.

YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE ALERT FOR POSSIBLE
FLOOD WARNINGS. THOSE LIVING IN AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING SHOULD BE
PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLOODING DEVELOP.


Roadways Known to Flood During Heavy Rains

Areas and roadways in Prince George's County that are prone to flash flooding include:

Brock Bridge Road near Laurel-Bowie Road (RT 197) Laurel

Areas along Route 1 and Main Street in Laurel

Baltimore Ave and Ammendale Road in Beltsville

Sunnyside Avenue between Rhode Island Ave and Edmonston Rd in Beltsville

Piney Branch Rd and New Hampshire in Adelphi

Portions of Riverdale Road in Riverdale Park

Governors Bridge Road at Anne Arundel/Prince George's County border.

Water Street in Upper Marlboro

Marlboro Pike and Largo Rd in Upper Marlboro

Livingston Road and Oxon Hill Road in Ft Washington

Livingston Road and Palmer Road in Fort Washington

These roads should be avoided during periods of heavy rain and heed any signage posted.  Any and all roads could suddenly become overwhelmed by flooding waters. Do not drive through standing or swift moving water.
Flood Facts...

Flash floods occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall or a dam failure. Flooding is a longer-term event and may last a week or more.

Most flash flooding is caused by (1) slow-moving thunderstorms, (2) thunder-storms repeatedly moving over the same area or (3) heavy rains from hurricanes and tropical storms.

Flash floods can roll boulders, tear out trees, and destroy buildings and bridges.

Densely populated areas have a high risk for flash floods. The construction of buildings, highways, driveways, and parking lots increases runoff by reducing the amount of rain absorbed by the ground.

Water can erode the roadbed creating unsafe driving conditions.

Many flash floods occur at night when flooded roads are hard to see.

2 feet of water will float your car, truck or SUV!!! 6 inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock you off your feet.

Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are auto related. If your car stalls, leave it and seek higher ground, if you can do so safely.

Underpasses can fill rapidly with water, while the adjacent roadway remains clear. Driving into a flooded underpass can quickly put you in 5-6 feet of water.

Flood Safety Tips...

Never try to walk, swim, or drive through swift-moving floodwater. Remember, 2 feet of water will float your vehicle and 6 inches of fast moving floodwater can knock you off your feet. 

If you come upon floodwaters, STOP, TURN AROUND AND GO ANOTHER WAY!! 

Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road.

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