Loudoun County Officials Remind Drivers Not to Attempt to Cross Flooded Roads
As significant rainfall swept through Loudoun County, many local area roads became flooded, causing hazardous conditions for motorists. From Wednesday night to early this morning, Loudoun County fire and rescue crews rescued six individuals in five different water rescue incidents. No one was seriously injured, but officials once again remind drivers not to attempt to cross flooded roadways.
At approximately 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 30, fire and rescue crews from Purcellville, Neersville, and Round Hill responded to Short Hill Road and Silver Brook Lane for a reported water rescue. One individual was rescued from a vehicle using a shallow water crossing. The individual was evaluated by EMS personnel and released at the scene.
At 9:49 p.m., Wednesday, crews from Philomont, Purcellville, Aldie, Middleburg, Hamilton, Leesburg and Lucketts responded to Snickersville Turnpike and Hibbs Bridge Road. An individual in an SUV attempted to drive through the high water and was swept downstream. After coordinated efforts by several rescue boats, the individual was pulled from the water. The victim was evaluated by EMS personnel and released at the scene to family members.
Thursday morning at approximately 2:45 a.m., units were dispatched to Evergreen Mills Road and Belmont Ridge Road. A driver had attempted to cross through a flooded area and the vehicle was swept off the roadway. Fire and rescue crews from South Riding, Moorefield and Arcola used a combination of shallow water crossing and rope rescue techniques to make this rescue. The individual in this case was transported to a local area hospital as a precaution.
At 2:47 a.m. Thursday, a call was dispatched for a water rescue on Lime Kiln Road in the area of Goose Creek Lane. Units from Leesburg, Philomont, Aldie, Hamilton and Lucketts arrived on scene to find one adult stranded on the roof of a vehicle after attempting to cross a flooded roadway. Crews used a boat to reach the victim, who was safely removed from the car. This individual was evaluated by EMS personnel and released at the scene.
Thursday at 4:25 a.m., fire and rescue crews were called out once again as two individuals in a pickup truck attempted to drive through high water on Watson Road at evergreen Mills Road. The driver and passenger became stranded. Units from Moorefield, South Riding, and Arcola responded and rescued the two adults using a shallow water crossing. These individuals were evaluated by EMS personnel and released at the scene.
Turn Around. Don't Drown
In light of these multiple water rescues, Loudoun County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management reminds resident to "Turn Around, Don't Drown"! Many deaths occur in automobiles as people and their vehicles are swept downstream but these deaths are preventable. Whether you are driving or walking, if you come to a flooded road, stop and do not cross. Do not attempt to drive around barriers or signs warning that roads are flooded. Also be prepared by identifying road closures and giving yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.
Go to www.511virginia.org for up to date listings of current closures. Go to www.loudoun.gov/traffic for a listing of law enforcement activity on Loudoun County roads.
Additional safety tips regarding flooding emergencies and preparation are online at www.loudoun.gov/flooding.
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