Avoid Flooded Roads

Turn Around, Don’t Drown!®

• Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
• Do not drive over bridges that are over fast-moving floodwaters. Floodwaters can scour foundation material from around the footings and make the bridge unstable.
• Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground.
• If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Do not leave the car and enter moving water.
• Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.

Driving Precautions during Heavy Rain and Flooding

• Always exercise caution on roadways during periods of heavy rain: use headlights whenever you use windshield wipers, reduce speeds and maintain a safe distance between vehicles.
• Know your location and do not become distracted while driving. If you need public safety assistance, you need to be able to provide your specific location.
• If you encounter high water, turn around and drive to a safe spot. Call the police non-emergency number – 301-279-8000 to report the situation to emergency personnel.
• Never drive around a street barricade.
• If your vehicle is trapped in high water call 9-1-1 for rescue. Get out and go to higher ground if you can safely do so.
• Six inches of water can sweep a person off their feet and rocks, tree limbs and other debris can be caught in moving water and be dangerous to you when walking, wading or swimming through flood waters.
• If you have to walk or wade through flood water, use a stick to poke the ground in front of you to determine depth and any underwater debris.

For emergencies, call 911 immediately. For information about County programs and services, call 311 (use 240-777-0311 for cell phones), Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm, or go anytime to the call center’s online portal. The hours at the MC311 call center will be extended if weather conditions warrant.

To stay informed during a severe weather event, major crisis or other type of emergency, sign up for the County’s " Alert Montgomery" emergency warning system.

County roads and high water

These are some of the roads in Montgomery County that could be affected by high water. This is not meant to be an inclusive list. All motorists should remain cautious when driving.

If you approach a flooded road, Turn Around, Don’t Drown®. Check out a map of frequently flooded roads.