Heavy Rains Cause Sewage Overflows in D.C. Area

Officials in Laurel have lifted an evacuation order after a release of water from two dams in the area flooded parts of the city.

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission opened Brighton Dam in Brookville and the T. Howard Duckett Dam in Laurel overnight as a precaution and began partially closing gates Thursday morning. It's unclear how long it will take for water to recede.

The mandatory evacuation order affected hundreds of residents near the Patuxent River. Officials say more than 100 people sheltered at a community center until the order was lifted. About 200 senior citizens who live at Selborne House Apartments were taken to an area hotel.

Flooding closed U.S. Route 1 for several hours, but the major artery through the city has reopened.