St. Mary’s County Department of Public Safety would like residents to Be Aware and Be Prepared for flooding on Thursday and Friday.
A Coastal Flood Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service expecting a 2 to 3 foot above normal tide Thursday morning and night for the Patuxent and Potomac Corridors. This is in addition to the astronomical high tide. Approximately 1 to 1.5 inches of rain can be expected through Thursday night. Expect possible Northeast Wind gusts in excess of 50 mph.
Please be aware of the following flood safety tips for driving:
• Do not drive unless necessary.
• Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see a flooded-out roadway ahead, turn around and find another route to get to your destination.
• If there is no other route, proceed to higher ground and wait for the waters to subside.
• Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, do not attempt to cross a flooded road. Water can conceal dips, or worse, floodwaters can damage roadways, washing away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground.
• If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
• Remember, 6 inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling.
• One foot of water will float many vehicles.
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including SUV’s and pick-ups.