Mel Madarang
WMAL.com
FREDERICK, Md. (WMAL) — Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner announced a state of emergency at a press conference on Thursday as the county faces more heavy rain and flooding.
Frederick County is still recuperating from Tuesday’s damages as it braces for the potential of more flooding. A flood watch went into effect Thursday afternoon and remains in effect through Saturday morning for Frederick County and the rest of the D.C. metro area.
Gardner said she declared the state of emergency as a proactive step that will allow the county to maximize resources to help businesses and residents who suffered losses from the flooding.
“Now the state of emergency is also recognition of the fact that this series of storms is not done and that there is some potential danger looming here over the next 24, 48 hours next few days,” said Gardner.
Heavy rains on Tuesday have resulted in road and bridge closures, and Gardner says more roads may be closed as the rain comes down.
Gardner said it’s too early to have a dollar amount for damages, but preliminary estimates indicate about $1.5 million dollars of damage on Route 180. Flood waters took the asphalt off the top of a bridge there undercut the roadway going to the bridge.
Travel is not restricted in the county, however Gardner strongly urged citizens to use extreme caution during the inclement weather.
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