We’ve had more than our fair share of torrential rains in recent days. And on July 25th, our own Broad Branch Stream became a dangerous torrent itself. WTOP’s Dave Dildine shared this footage on Twitter:
Broad Branch Road. Again, this is a road — but it is not one to be driven on. Not until the flash flood threat subsides. pic.twitter.com/7TCfTyntfh
— Dave Dildine (@DildineWTOP) July 25, 2018
More footage at WTOP.com shows a raging river where the creek and the road should have been – and a driver pushing through despite the danger.
The flash flood swept a mail truck off Broad Branch at Grant Road and Davenport Street.
#DCsBravest on scene Grant Rd & Davenport St NW. Mail truck over turned in the water. We searched area and found no victims. Avoid Rock Creek Park roadways due to debris and flooding. pic.twitter.com/Wk0RgUYUSl
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) July 25, 2018
That wasn’t their only rescue operation.
#DcsBravest on scene of 2nd water rescue call Grant Rd and 27th St NW. 2 Occupants of vehicle self evacuated and sheltered at nearby home. Large tree also fell close to DC FEMS vehicle. No injuries. Conditions in Rock Creek Park are very hazardous. pic.twitter.com/GIvkGvZuK1
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) July 26, 2018
No one was harmed.
#DCsBravest monitored downstream Rock Creek while working to obtain status of driver from @USPS vehicle washed off road. We have confirmed driver is safe & unharmed. Also sheltering in ambulance 2 occupants of other vehicle swept off road nearby. They were uninjured. pic.twitter.com/GkrRr0YGlj
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) July 26, 2018
Needless to say, Broad Branch Road was closed, and DDOT says it will remained closed between Brandywine and Davenport Streets for two weeks so crews can make emergency repairs. When I got there Thursday morning, a tree that had fallen across the roadway had been removed and a crew was addressing fallen power lines. And debris remained on the roadway from the flooding the night before.
