Ellicott City Deluged With Flood Waters, More Rain Expected

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — Between 2 and 3 inches of rain fell within an hour in Ellicott City Wednesday, prompting officials to activate the emergency flood warning system. Some isolated areas saw up to 4 inches; one water rescue was reported.

The Patapsco River's level rose considerably, and residents are wary Thursday as heavy rain has been forecast to move through the region this afternoon and evening.

Floodwaters ripped up trees and knocked down power lines. Numerous roads were closed due to high waters coursing through the area. Near the Howard-Anne Arundel county line, emergency crews rushed to rescue a driver whose vehicle has been swept away by several feet of water. The driver managed to climb onto the roof of the vehicle and waited to be rescued, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue reported.

Residents and businesses have endured deadly floods and property damage in the past. In 2018, the area was declared a state of emergency after flash floods caused heavy damage. A person who tried to save a woman trapped by rising floodwaters sadly died in that flood. In 2016, floodwaters significantly damaged homes and businesses along historic Main Street. Two people died during those floods.