Frederick residents recovering from heavy rain that caused severe flooding
FREDERICK, Md. - Major flooding caused damage for parts of the D.C. region, especially Frederick, Maryland, as severe weather brought heavy rain to the area.
More than 60 rescues were made overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, for people stranded in high water.
Rushing water brought flooding in downtown Frederick causing damage at the YMCA on Market Street. Buses used by the YMCA were damaged, with water reaching above the wheels of the buses.
Water also caused damage to area homes, with one Frederick family telling FOX 5 several feet of water flooded their basement and broke the front door of garages.
A bridge collapsed along Little Catoctin Creek on Route 180 southeast of Frederick in Brunswick, Maryland. About a dozen county-maintained roads remained closed Tuesday because of flooding, debris, or sinkholes, Frederick officials say.
Frederick Mayor Michael O'Connor declared a local state of emergency on Wednesday.
"This declaration provides our City the opportunity to take advantage of any state and federal assistance that may be available," O'Connor said in a news release. "While Tuesday's rain was relatively short in duration and very intense, its effects are still being felt by many of our residents and businesses, and will be for some time. It is also acknowledgement that severe weather and flooding scenarios remain possibilities through the remainder of the week, as the ground is saturated. I urge our residents to sign up for the government emergency alerts available through the City and Frederick County, and to take all warnings seriously.
"I also want to extend my thanks, on behalf of all our residents and businesses, to our dedicated Police Department and Public Works employees who have remained vigilant throughout, and continue to be ready to respond."
The City of Frederick has asked residents Wednesday night to limit their water use due to the risk of overflow at the wastewater treatment plant.
"Due to current historic flooding the City's wastewater treatment plant is inundated and at risk of additional overflow," the city posted on its website. "In order to avoid potential backups in collection lines and homes, and maintain the ability to safely treat wastewater City officials are requesting that citizens please refrain from nonessential water use. Washing clothes, washing dishes, and using water in any capacity only adds to the already over burdened plant.
"Should you experience a sewer backup, please contact our DPW switchboard at 301-600-1440. Residents are also advised to stay clear of Carroll Creek near the confluence with the Monocacy River until further notice due to potential sewer overflows."
The storms dumped at least six inches of rain in the Frederick area in a 24-hour period from Tuesday night to Wednesday night. More rain is expected for the next few days. A Flood Watch has been issued starting from Thursday afternoon until Friday evening for much of the D.C. region.
Drivers are being advised to stay off the roads and avoid traveling in any areas with high water, underneath trees or wooded areas until the storm threat has passed. Turn around, don't drown!
Dozens of passengers were stranded in Frederick on a MARC train headed to West Virginia from D.C. Tuesday night. Officials say the tracks sunk, which caused water to rise close to the train.
Service on MARC Brunswick Line was suspended Wednesday, MTA officials say, as train tracks were damaged from heavy rain and flooding in the area and western Maryland. The Brunswick Line will operate on a modified schedule on Thursday.
Montgomery County fire and rescue officials say several Swift Water Rescue Teams assisted Frederick County for several hours overnight with mutual aid, including a rescue near Elmer Der Rd and Ballenger Creek.
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