Ellicott City was devasted by a massive storm Sunday as the overflowing Cooper River tried to empty into the Patapsco River.
Just two years ago a flash flood forced the historic city in Howard County to rebuild much of its Main Street.
An emergency was issued in Ellicott City in Howard County at 4:40 p.m.
“This is an EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC situation and you must move to HIGHER GROUND IMMEDIATELY AND STAY AWAY FROM ANYWHERE WHERE WATER IS MOVING,” the National Weather Service tweeted.
Fast-moving, brown water rushed through the city’s Main Street. Some residents said Sunday’s barrage was just as bad if not worse than the storm in July 2016, which killed two people and destroyed local businesses.
“Flooding in Ellicott City rivaling the flooding incident in 2016,” the Howard County fire and rescue department tweeted. “Multiple rescues in progress.”
The Department said “hundreds of rescuers” are arriving in the area. Those seeking shelter can go to the Roger Carter Community Center at 3000 Milltowne Drive.