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.  Road is currently closed for bridge work (unrelated to this storm)

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.

If your car stalls, leave it and seek higher ground, if you can do so safely.

Stay informed about the storm and possible flooding by listening to your NOAA weather radio, commercial radio or television.

STAY INFORMED - STAY READY - STAY SAFE!!!

Mark E. Brady
Chief Spokesman/PIO
Prince George's County Fire/EMS
240-508-7930

Follow the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department on Twitter  at @PGFDPIO








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