Mudslides, Flooding, Heavy Rain Anticipated In Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Residents have been advised to prepare for the arrival of Tropical Storm Isaias. Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said the county's emergency management team is monitoring the storm, which is expected to cause heavy rainfall and sustained winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour. A flash flood watch also has been issued for the county from Monday 11 p.m. through Tuesday 11 p.m.

Rainfall totals are expected to cause widespread area flooding and flash flooding, Ball added. Low-lying roads that typically flood during heavy rain are likely to flood with this storm and should be avoided. Mudslides also are a possibility with the expected amount of rainfall.

"Since the ground is going to be so saturated, there is a likelihood that winds will bring down some trees, leading to power outages. We understand that any storm can cause anxiety for our residents and businesses - especially those in Historic Ellicott City. We are proactively working with Howard EcoWorks to inspect and remove debris from channels in the Ellicott City Watershed," Ball said in a statement. "We have an incredible team of emergency management professionals, public works employees and first responders to help keep Howard County safe. I encourage all residents to take some time before Monday evening to review tips on ReadyHoCo.org and begin preparing.”