Don't Go Into The Water

All the news focuses attention to the Mississippi River flood and the unfortunate circumstance of the people there. We have our own problems with the waters around D.C.

Flooding Potomac presents hazards for area boaters according to an online story by WTOP.

Heavy rains in the area has the Potomac River cresting its banks and creating navigational hazards for all boaters. The D.C. Harbor Police advises all boaters to stay off the Potomac through the weekend (20-22 May 2011).

A similar story on www.nbcwashington.com says the worst of the flooding is probably over, but advises boaters to stay off the Potomac this weekend. That story gave high tide (11:15 AM and 11:56 PM at Key Bridge) on Friday, 20 May, as a time for special caution for boaters and anyone along the waterfront.

The National Weather Service issued a Flood Warning for the Potomac River at Point Of Rocks affecting Frederick (MD) and Loudoun (VA) Counties and at Little Falls affecting Montgomery (MD) and Fairfax (VA) Counties. The warning is in effect until this evening. The warning was issued at 4:24 PM today.

A warning means that flooding is actually occurring. Take extreme caution when driving through flood areas. A vehicle can be swept away in as little as two feet of flowing water. Cars are not boats!

If you have first-hand knowledge of conditions along our waterways, leave a comment.

This story originally posted to the private Potomac River Power Squadron group page on SailAngle.com.

Photo Credit: natasialester 16 found on Photobucket.com