MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — Heavy rainfall over the weekend led to widespread flooding across Montgomery County, underscoring the importance of staying alert to flood advisories, according to local officials.
In Chevy Chase, approximately 20 people became trapped in a building due to impassable roads. Meanwhile, water sensors recorded Sligo Creek rising an alarming 10 feet in just half an hour.
“I’ve been with this office since 2013, and I’ve never seen Sligo Creek react so drastically,” said Emergency Management Specialist Matt Miziorko.
Miziorko explained that much of the county’s stormwater system is decades old and not built to handle such intense rainfall, which makes real-time information and awareness crucial during storms.
To assist emergency response efforts, the county has installed early-warning sensors along local waterways. These sensors monitor water levels and alert first responders when conditions become dangerous.
“Each sensor is calibrated to its location,” Miziorko noted. “What causes flooding on Sligo Creek near New Hampshire Avenue might not apply to other areas like Skylar or Houston Avenue. The geography varies—Sligo Creek is different from Rock Creek, just as Cabin Branch differs from the Hawlings River.”
At one point during the storm, Miziorko’s office received 16 flood alerts in just 10 minutes, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
“Floodwaters are not to be underestimated,” he cautioned. “It might take you 10 or 15 minutes longer to find a safe route, but it’s not worth the risk to your safety, your vehicle—or your life.”
