Severe weather update: Roads open again after clean-up efforts

The National Weather Service said that flooding will continue Wednesday around rivers, creeks and small streams

January 9, 2024 2:44 p.m.

2:10 p.m.

Sligo Parkway and Beach Drive have now opened back up

Sligo Parkway in Silver Spring is now open, except for the part between Wayne Ave and Schuyler Rd, and all of Beach Drive in Kensington has opened back up, according to the Maryland-National Capital Park Police.

Highway crews from the county’s Department of Transportation answered 55 service calls to remove downed trees from roads and secure flooded streets in the aftermath of the flooding and wind gusts.

Several roads still closed Wednesday morning

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At 9:34 p.m. last night, Montgomery County Police said that Route 29 opened back up because water levels dropped significantly.

Also, the flood warning for Seneca Creek at Dawsonville was extended to 2:30 p.m. today, and a flood watch will be in effect until Friday.

The National Weather Service said that flooding will continue today around rivers, creeks and small streams, and there will be cool/blustery conditions.

-Courtney Cohn


9 p.m.

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Route 29 closed until Wednesday rush hour

A flood watch for central and southeast Montgomery County will extend through the night until 7 a.m. Wednesday. County fire and rescue crews as well as Montgomery County Police Department officers are on duty and providing updates to roadway conditions.

Around 8:30 p.m. police posted on X that Route 29 at Lockwood Drive is closed due to severe flooding. The road closure will remain in effect through rush hour on Wednesday morning. Police are advising drivers to seek an alternate route.

Police advised drivers that Westbard Avenue has closed at Massachusetts Avenue. Drivers should seek an alternate route and expect significant delays in the area.

According to the National Weather Service, the region can expect to see rain until around 11 p.m. with a slight chance of showers after midnight. Winds will keep up until Wednesday morning at 14 mph up to 47 mph. The NWS has a High Wind warning in effect until 1 a.m.

–Elia Griffin

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7 p.m.

Emergency responders dispatched to rescue driver, family displaced by fallen tree

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service officials rescued a driver and vehicle from high flood water in the area between Beach Drive and Cedar Lane in Kensington around 4:30 p.m., according to a tweet from MCFRS spokesperson Pete Piringer. There were no injuries

A Silver Spring family of two was displaced by a fallen tree. Emergency responders were dispatched to a house on Woodside Parkway around 2 p.m., responding to a downed tree that fell into a house, according to Piringer. There were no injuries, but the power went out.

The Montgomery County Park Police announced on social media that Beach Drive was closed between Franklin Avenue and Cedar Lane, between Kensington Parkway and Connecticut Avenue, and between Cedar Lane and Connecticut Avenue.

Sligo Creek Parkway is also closed between Piney Branch Road and Maple Avenue, according to Takoma Park Police.

-Ginny Bixby


4:50 p.m.

Standing water, flooding close Sligo Creek Parkway


2:30 p.m.

Downed power lines close Bel Pre Road in Aspen Hill


1:45 p.m.

High wind warning issued for parts of Montgomery County

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a high wind warning for Central and Southeast Montgomery County, which includes Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg and Silver Spring, from 3 p.m. today to 1 a.m. tomorrow. Southeast winds will range from 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected.

According to NWS, this means that damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines, widespread power outages are expected and travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

–Courtney Cohn


12:43 p.m.

Moore declares ‘State of Preparedness’

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) has declared a “state of preparedness” in response to the impending severe weather. 

According to the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, a state of preparedness directs the department to “coordinate the comprehensive preparation of state government ahead of potential impacts from hazards or threats, providing a vital layer of protection for Marylanders without necessitating a State of Emergency.”

The declaration allows the state government to mobilize and coordinate resources for an emergency. It does not mandate closures of schools, businesses or roads, but asks that drivers use common sense while driving.

–Ginny Bixby


12:25 p.m.

After childcare programs remain open

Families are encouraged to pick up their children as early as possible from after school childcare programs. According to the Montgomery County Interagency Coordination Board, after school childcare programs may remain open during early dismissal Tuesday.

Families should contact their childcare provider with any questions regarding pickup times and more information about emergency response.

Community use of public facilities for after school or evening activities is canceled today, per the coordinating board

–Elia Griffin


10:55 a.m.

Safety tips from the Montgomery County government for strong winds and flooding:

  • Avoid driving in rush hour Tuesday in Montgomery County if possible because saturated ground could cause trees to fall, visibility will be low and multiple roads in the county are prone to flooding.
  • Wind gusts of up to 50-55 mph are projected, and certain vehicles are especially vulnerable, including motorcycles and vans.
  • Stay safe inside an interior room, away from windows, and secure loose items
  • Charge your phone and electronic devices in case of a power outage
  • Avoid walking or driving through flood areas.

Closures:

–Courtney Cohn


9:44 a.m.

Montgomery County Public Schools to close 2.5 hours early

All Montgomery County Public Schools will close 2.5 hours early – also known as a “Code Blue” – on Tuesday due to expected dangerous weather conditions. Flooding from heavy rainfall and strong winds is expected and may cause power outages.

Schools will operate on early release bell schedules, including lunch, according to MCPS.

In addition, field trips, school and community activities scheduled for the afternoon and evening, PM Head Start, PM PEP and PM Pre-K classes are also canceled Tuesday.

For AM Head Start, AM PEP and AM Pre-K classes, students will be dismissed at the regular time of 10:50 a.m.

Administrative offices will remain open and follow a normal schedule. Additionally, 10-month staff will be released after students, 11- and 12-month staff will complete their scheduled workday.

–Elia Griffin

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