Residents capture Maryland floods surging through Baltimore region

Residents and local press in Maryland posted frightening footage of destructive flash flooding on Sunday, following heavy rain across the state.

Particularly affected was Ellicott City, located about 14 miles west of Baltimore, which suffered intense flash flooding along its Main Street — the very same street that was turned into a raging river amidst a torrential flood in 2016, which killed at least two people.

The videos and images are quite devastating, especially for a community that endured this only two years ago.

On Sunday afternoon, the National Weather Service issued multiple flash flood warnings for areas across the state of Maryland. The NWS alert reported heavy rain had fallen across the area in the afternoon, with estimated amounts of 3 to 6 inches in southern Baltimore City and Baltimore County, causing rising waters, especially in streams, some at a rapid pace. 

According to the Baltimore Sun, NWS meteorologist Brian LaSorsa reported about 8 inches fell in Ellicott City over a six-hour period. He could not confirm to the publisher whether the flood was worse than that of 2016.

Governor Larry Hogan declared a State of Emergency in response to the severe flooding in Ellicott City, and areas across the state. The executive order allows the state of Maryland to coordinate support to local jurisdictions experiencing flooding conditions.

“Less than two years ago, the citizens of Howard County and Ellicott City went through a horrific ordeal, and sadly, they are facing a similar emergency today,” said Governor Hogan in a statement. 

“Our administration is closely monitoring the situation and working in partnership with local officials, including Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman, to respond to this extreme weather as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

“The immediate focus is ensuring everyone is safe and secure. The state will continue to provide all available resources to assist Howard County with their response to this extremely dangerous and ongoing situation. I strongly urge all Marylanders to monitor the weather, heed all warnings, and avoid the affected areas.”

After the floodwaters had receded, the Baltimore Sun reports that emergency officials announced no injuries, fatalities or missing persons as of Sunday night, following safety checks throughout Main Street and surrounding areas. 

Exceptionally active on Twitter during the flooding, Howard County Fire & EMS posted that rescues, some using rescue swimmers, were under way in Ellicott City, and that in some areas, water had risen to the first floor of buildings. “If you are trapped, we are coming,” the team tweeted.

Howard County Government requested locals stay off the roadways and out of Ellicott City, recommending that people find higher ground.

If you’re affected by the storm and in need of non-emergency assistance, you can call Howard County Police Department at 410-313-2200. 

Want to help from where you are? The Ellicott City Partnership (ECP) has updated their website HelpEllicottCity.com and is accepting donations to help business owners, property owners and residents recover from the flood.