Heavy Rain Storm in D.C. Area Strands Drivers: Boat Rescues Ordered

With flood warnings issued in areas throughout the northeast, many road closures and accidents are already underway in the Washington D.C. area. Boats were ordered to rescue stranded drivers and motorists today.

Thus far, more than a dozen streets have been closed due to the rainfall as well as car accidents and fallen trees. Although no significant injuries were reported, the rainfall is expected to continue into Thursday, which could pose an issue for those commuting to and from work within the next fourteen hours.

Beginning at 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, D.C. police and authorities were summoned to some areas due to stranded motorists and downed power lines. They had to shut down a road near Georgetown because of downed power lines and they had to rescue motorists whose vehicles got trapped in rising waters.

As a result, the authorities have issued warnings throughout the D.C. area warning drivers to be aware of how much water is in front of them because standing water can hide erosion or sink holes beneath its surface, resulting in a stranded vehicle or serious injury. They suggest turning around if you see an area of large standing water.

One man attempted to drive through three feet of standing water and got his vehicle stuck on Governor's Bridge Road, before getting on the bridge to cross over from Prince George to Arundel County. The road was closed, but apparently the man moved the barriers and tried to drive through. Authorities had to send an inflatable raft to rescue the man who climbed out of his car and was carried to safety.

According to the Weather Channel, there remain severe storm warnings in place from the Mid-Atlantic states to the Southeast coast. Scattered severe thunderstorms are likely to occur in the evening and nighttime as well as powerful wind gusts, hail, and possibly tornadoes (for certain areas, extending from Richmond, VA to Raleigh, NC). Flood threats extend from New England all the way down to Florida, which is expected to continue from now until tomorrow morning.

You can read more about the official government flood warning here.