The county handled more than 3,000 emergency calls Friday and Saturday amid thunderstorms.
The Emergency Communications Center took 1,300 calls Friday and 1,740 calls Saturday, per a release Tuesday.
Strong storms on Friday and Saturday left damage across Montgomery County. The National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm warnings and the county was also under a heat emergency alert through 9 p.m. Saturday.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) and police responded to more than 200 calls, according to the county.
In a written statement, County Executive Marc Elrich said, “Even though efforts to clear and repair damage from this weekend’s storms continue across Montgomery County, I want to recognize and thank our storm responders for their hard work and long hours.”
On Friday, MCFRS rescued 13 boaters from the Potomac River after they became overwhelmed by a storm.
The county’s department of transportation staff cleared more than 160 fallen trees. Two trees fell on houses and one fell within an apartment complex, per the county. The agency responded to at least 31 downed live electrical wires and crews continue to address downed trees and wires.
A temporary shelter was opened in North Bethesda for residents impacted by power outages. According to the county, there were reports of trees down and damage that made many apartment units uninhabitable at a complex in North Bethesda.
According to Pepco, service has been restored for 99% of customers as of Tuesday. Full restoration is expected for all customers Tuesday.
The county advises residents to sign up for the Alert Montgomery notification system to get emergency alerts.
Feature photo via MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer.
