Torrential rain in parts of the Washington, D.C., area on Saturday resulted in flash flooding and necessitated water rescues in Maryland and Virginia, according to authorities.
Over five inches of rain were recorded in some densely populated suburbs, such as Silver Spring. Several major roads in Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Anne Arundel counties in Maryland, as well as in Fairfax County in Virginia, became impassable by Saturday evening. In northwest Washington, D.C., parked cars were submerged in floodwaters.
Emergency crews in Montgomery County conducted rescues for dozens of individuals, including those trapped in vehicles stranded in several feet of water, following numerous calls for assistance, said a spokesperson for the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service. There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Flood sensors indicated that Sligo Creek, which flows through Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland and parts of Washington, rose 10 feet within 30 minutes on Saturday evening, according to the spokesperson.
In Great Falls, Virginia, approximately 17 miles from Washington, emergency crews rescued seven individuals from a vehicle caught in swift-moving water. The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue reported that no injuries were associated with this rescue.
By 9 p.m., severe storms had mostly dissipated from the area, although isolated showers were still anticipated in some regions. Flood warnings, which are considered less severe than flash flood warnings, remained in effect late Saturday for parts of the region, including southern Montgomery County, northern Fairfax County, and sections of the capital.