Flash Flooding Creates Problems for Motorists and Homeowners

July 28, 2004

Landover Hills, MD – Last nights rainfall created several issues for Prince George's County fire service personnel and the Office of Emergency Management. Water rescue personnel responded to several incidents and removed citizens from vehicles trapped by flash flooding, according to spokesman Chauncy Bowers.

The storms moved through Prince George’s County between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m., dumping 5.2 inches of rain. Most of the flash flooding occurred in the areas of Adelphi, Beltsville, and Laurel.

Four apartment units were evacuated on Morris Avenue in Laurel after inspectors surveyed the water damage. The remaining occupants of the apartment building were under a voluntary evacuation.

Emergency Management Officials and the City of Laurel established a temporary shelter at the South Senior Center on Montgomery Street in Laurel to aid those displaced by the flash flooding.

Safety Tips

• Never drive or walk through flash flood waters.

• If you cannot see the roadway, take a different route

• Most flash flood deaths occur when vehicles are swept away by the force of the water.

• If you live a flood prone area, monitor news broadcast frequently during a storm. Move to higher ground immediately if water begins to rise.

Storm Activity

2147 Hours, New Hampshire Avenue and Piney Branch Road, motorists removed from vehicle in flood waters

2148 Hours, 8400 block of New Hampshire Avenue, flooded conditions in several homes along the block

2150 Hours, New Hampshire Avenue and Sligo Creek Parkway, motorists removed from vehicle in flood waters

2200 Hours, 8 Morris Avenue, flooded conditions in the apartment building, four units evacuated

2226 Hours, Old Baltimore Pike and Edmonston Road, abandoned vehicle in flood waters

2331 Hours, Contee Road and Baltimore Avenue, abandoned vehicle in flood waters

0018 Hours, Baltimore Avenue and Metzerott Road, motorists removed from vehicle in flood waters