Like many in Rockville, I’ve been following the tragic news out of Central Texas, where sudden, devastating floods swept through campsites and neighborhoods with terrifying speed. It’s a sobering reminder: even if we don’t live near a major river or the coast, we’re not immune to flooding. So what are the chances that something similar could happen here in Rockville?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes.

Rockville is home to a number of streams that wind through our neighborhoods—many of which remain wooded, preserving natural floodplains. These areas can be affected by what’s known as a “100-year flood.” Despite the name, that doesn’t mean it only happens once every hundred years. According to FEMA, it’s a flood that has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year.

The City of Rockville has taken extra steps to understand where such flooding could occur—and how it might impact nearby homes and businesses. The City provides an interactive floodplain map to determine if your home or business is a risk of a major flood. In the Map Gallery, go to the Floodplain Parcel Lookup map and then search for your location.

We’ve already seen the consequences. In September 2021, a heavy storm overwhelmed the Rock Creek Woods apartments near Twinbrook Parkway and Veirs Mill Road. The complex—built at the confluence of the twin brooks that give the neighborhood its name—flooded badly, affecting dozens of residents and underscoring the real risks in our area.

As Jurassic Park reminded us, “Nature finds a way.” Engineering can help, but it can’t eliminate the risk entirely.

What You Can Do:

• Look up your address using Rockville’s floodplain map and other tools.
• See if Rockville’s Flood Mitigation Program can help you pay for repairs and improvements.
• Prepare a plan for your family or business in case of severe weather.

Let’s stay informed—and ready.