Photos and video: More heavy rain, more Broad Branch and Rock Creek flooding

by Marlene Berlin

It had been raining heavily at times on Sunday, and around 2 p.m. I was driving home on Rock Creek Parkway after dropping off Jim, my husband, at the airport. I wondered if I could get through on Broad Branch Road to Brandywine Street given the National Weather Service flood warnings. Usually I stay clear during such weather, but my curiosity won out over caution.

I’ve seen many signs of Soapstone Creek overflowing onto Broad Branch Road (ten months ago, two years ago), I have never seen a flood in progress, or whether flood warning flashers on Broad Branch Road worked. And indeed, the road was flooded, but not cordoned off, and the warning lights did not work. Many cars were turning around when they came to the flooded roadway, but some actually proceeded through.

I went to grab my phone to take some photos and to my great frustration realized I had forgotten the bag which held my phone. I could not pass up this opportunity. When I got home, I put on my most waterproof clothes, which are not very waterproof. I walked down Davenport, jogged up Grant Road and took Ridge Road to Broad Branch Road.

From Ridge Road I could see Soapstone Creek overflowing onto Broad Branch Road and into Broad Branch Creek.

Broad Branch Road disappeared under the floodwaters.

I continued on to Peirce Mill. Rock Creek was overflowing its banks.

And I saw two intrepid dogs… and their people.

No matter the weather, you’ve got to walk your dog.