CALLAWAY, Md. (October 1, 2010)—After receiving an estimated 7 to 9 inches of rain in the first phase of Tropical Rainstorm Nicole Wednesday night through Thursday morning, a second wave of heavy rain dumped several more inches through Thursday night.
St. Mary's County Public Schools closed all day Friday and cancelled after school and evening activities due to
severe flooding conditions and impassable roads. Weekend activities at all schools will take place as scheduled, however.
Meals On Wheels food deliveries to elderly residents across the county were cancelled. Participants were asked to use their emergency meals for the second day in a row.
The County government reported all roads that had been closed as a result of flooding were open as of mid-afternoon Friday.
Roads that had been closed at one time or another throughout the course of the storm include: Rte. 244 in the area of Our Lady's Church; Rte. 5 at the Willows Road intersection; Rt. 5 from the Great Mills Rd. north to Little Flower School and Flat Iron Rd. to Walk this Way; Rte. 5 and Villa Road in St. Inigoes; Rt. 243 (Newtowne Neck Rd.) near Rt. 5; Bayside Road near Big Chestnut Road; and Rt. 238 (Manor Road) to Rt. 234 End.
Several roads were reported to have water across them, but were not closed, including Willows Road near Lancaster Park; Hermanville Road near Rte. 235; Baptist Church Road near John Wayne Estates; Mechanicsville Road; and Maypole Road near Rte. 5.
Due to the heavy rainfalls, the road leading into Cecil Park was washed out. The park will be closed until further notice.
The County Department of Land Use and Growth Management dispatched damage assessment teams throughout the Great Mills area to assist in recording property damages incurred by citizens and businesses. Residents who experienced
property damages during the storm over the past 36 hours, are asked to contact 301-475-4200 Ext. 1500 or 301-475-4200 Option 6 then Option 3.
The County public affairs office also urged residents to be alert to criminals and scam artists who often prey on victims of storm damage. They offered the following suggestions:
— Be cautious of anyone coming to your home uninvited and offering to do home repairs and be alert to individuals canvassing your neighborhood in an unmarked van or truck.
— Insist on a written estimate and get estimates from several companies.
— Be sure the contract or business card has an address, telephone number and license numbers.
— Ask for references and check them out.
— Insist on start and completion dates on the contract.
— Do not pay the final balance for work performed until it is completed to your satisfaction.