Ellicott City Flood: ‘Devastated, Heartbroken’ By Roaring Waters

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — Floods on the same scale as an historic 2016 storm inundated Main Street after nearly 8 inches of rain fell in a matter of hours Sunday in Ellicott City. People are urged to avoid downtown, which the county executive and governor have declared in a state of emergency.

"I have no words," Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman said at a press conference Sunday night outside the county courthouse. "I'm devastated. I'm heartbroken."

Police said one man reported missing was later found deceased. Eddison Alexander Hermond, 39, of Severn, an active member of the Army National Guard, tried to help a woman and her cat behind La Palapa around 5:20 p.m. on Sunday. Police said witnesses saw him get swept in the floodwaters, and he did not resurface. His body was found on the Baltimore County side of the Patapsco River Tuesday morning.

Searches will continue through buildings and surrounding areas for structural and other potential issues, according to officials. As of Tuesday afternoon, police said 188 vehicles had been searched and towed.

There were no additional reports of missing people, according to Sherry Llewellyn, spokeswoman for the Howard County Police Department.

"So far, in the last 24 hours, we have done a cursory search of structures and vehicles," Howard County Fire Chief John Butler said Monday afternoon, indicating that was the first of several rounds. People, canines and technology were being deployed to assist, he added.

Watch: Press conference at St. Paul Church on Monday after damaging floods in Ellicott City.

Down the hill, lights were out along Main Street.

Gas and electric had been shut off so crews could assess gas mains and power lines, according to BGE. Repairs may require flood waters to recede and debris and water to be pumped from gas pipes, officials said. Extended outages are possible where buildings and infrastructure sustained heavy damage. Some gas and electric systems may need to be rebuilt, the utility company reported, and in many cases, properties may be too damaged to restore services.

Floods and a gas leak in the area led to evacuations, according to authorities.

Rescue teams from across the state converged on Main Street Sunday to save people trapped in buildings in the historic mill town, established in 1772. In the centuries since, it has remained a center of business, with boutiques, restaurants and other shops drawing crowds to the flood-prone downtown district.

• Ellicott City Flood: How To Help And Where To Get Assistance
  

Main Street has been in a state of rebuilding since the flood that happened almost two years ago. Two people died, 150 people were rescued and 170 inoperable vehicles were towed from the floodwaters on July 30, 2016, when officials said 6.36 inches of rain were recorded.

"...this is worse than July 30, 2016," Kittleman said on Sunday night.

Preliminary reports indicate Sunday's rainfall exceeded that of the flood two years ago.

Eastern Ellicott City had 7.92 inches of rain by 7:15 p.m. on Sunday, a trained weather spotter reported to the National Weather Service. Howard County remains under a flash flood warning until 12:45 a.m. on Monday, meaning flash flooding is either imminent or occurring.

"They say this is a once-every-thousand-year flood, and we had two of them in two years," Gov. Larry Hogan said at the press conference Sunday. "I would say it's as bad or worse than the storm two years ago."

Hogan added: "Our hearts and our thoughts are with the people of Ellicott City. They are strong."

State agencies were engaged with county officials, and an incident management team of 60 people was on the way to help provide assistance to the people of Howard County and Ellicott City, Hogan said.

State & local rescue workers & law enforcement will be working throughout the night to help those in need in Ellicott City. Please stay off the roads; those affected by the storm who are in need of non-emergency assistance can call Howard County Police Dept at 410-313-2200 (1/2)
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) May 28, 2018

"Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding," weather officials warn. "If you are in the warned area move to higher ground immediately. Residents living along streams and creeks should take immediate precautions to protect life and property."

Those who needed shelter were told the night of the storm to go to St. Peter's Episcopal Church (3695 Rogers Avenue), St. Paul Catholic Church (3755 St. Paul Street) or the Roger Carter Community Center (3000 Milltowne Drive) in Ellicott City, according to the county executive. By Wednesday, all shelters had closed.

Kittleman had a request: "Don't come down here to see how things are looking...Stay home; let us work with the residents and business owners."

Howard County fire and rescue officials confirmed reports of building collapses in Ellicott City. In some areas, water was above the first floor of buildings.

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#ECFlood | All @HCDFRS rescue swimmers across all 3 shifts are being recalled | Swift water units from as far away as Northern Virginia are en route | If you are trapped, we are coming. https://t.co/Eftrn0CuEw
— Howard Co Fire & EMS (@HCDFRS) May 27, 2018

“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,” Hogan said Sunday in a statement. “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."

Hogan declared a state of emergency for Ellicott City, he tweeted at 6:40 p.m. He said that he had spoken to Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman and was with Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford in Ellicott City meeting with emergency officials. The governor has directed the Maryland Emergency Management Agency to assist in any way possible, and numerous other state agencies are providing support.

Kittleman also issued an emergency declaration in Howard County due to the flooding.

About 3 to 5 inches of rain had fallen, the National Weather Service reported after 5 p.m., with additional rain anticipated. In addition to Main Street in Ellicott City, weather officials said that flooding was reported along River Road in Catonsville. Crews from around the region were working to rescue people who were stuck.

Rescues, Pleas For Help

Tea On The Tiber, a Victorian tea room in the 8000 block of Main Street, issued this plea on Facebook around 6:30 p.m.: "Trapped in tea room with 30+ people. Send help."

Several Facebook users said they called 911, the Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department and emergency management officials to alert them about patrons trapped in the building.

Rescuers arrived to start evacuating about 7 p.m.

In an update, the business said about 7:30 p.m.: "Just got word that folks are out safe, and sheltering at the church on the hill. Roads are still closed, so they can't get out yet. Thank you, everyone!"

The National Weather Service said that as of 4:40 p.m., it had declared a flash flood emergency for Ellicott City.

"This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation," weather authorities said in the flash flood warning.

By 4:30 p.m., weather authorities reported that Main Street in Ellicott City was flooding, based on information provided by the Howard County 911 call center.

At 4:39 p.m., officials said several water rescues were underway on Main Street in Ellicott City.

440 PM - **FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY** has been issued for Ellicott City in Howard County, Maryland. Significant flash flooding and multiple water rescues have been reported on Main Street in Ellicott City.
— NWS DC/Baltimore (@NWS_BaltWash) May 27, 2018

People in the area were advised they should not travel unless they are leaving flooded areas or are under evacuation orders.

In case it’s not clear yet, stay away from Main Street. Please. pic.twitter.com/FO1HFpYqMo
— Libby Solomon (@libsolomon) May 27, 2018

What To Do If Trapped

Howard County fire and rescue officials ask those trapped on Main Street to shelter in place on the second story of a building. Roger Carter Community Center is OPEN for those that need a place to shelter, officials said. If you are in a building taking on water, move to higher ground immediately.

Swift water rescue teams from around the region are converging in the area.

#ECFlood | If you are trapped in a building on #Main Street - climb to the second floor of the building and Shelter in Place. Rescuers will come for you | Please DO NOT call 911 as long as you are in a safe space
— Howard Co Fire & EMS (@HCDFRS) May 27, 2018

Heartbreaking: Video of Main Street in #EllicottCity. Nearly 2 years after historic flooding, Mother Nature slamming the area again. Just got off the phone with one business owner there - “I can’t believe this is happening again.” #Mdwx #WJZ pic.twitter.com/xW2GjH1Z6c
— Rick Ritter (@RickRitterWJZ) May 27, 2018

Remembering The 2016 Flood

Ellicott City experienced an historic, deadly flood on July 30, 2016.

In that storm nearly two years ago, officials said 6.36 inches of rain were recorded, including 4 within one hour.

Two people died in floodwaters and 150 people were rescued downtown, including 80 from vehicles and 40-plus from Phoenix Emporium, officials said. There were 170 inoperable vehicles towed from the river, parking lots and streets to Centennial High School.

In the years since, the business district along Main Street has returned to life after a months-long closure. Additionally, county, state and federal officials have partnered to address flooding.

Flooding in Ellicott City rivaling the flooding incident in 2016 | Multiple rescues in progress | Swift Water Rescue teams assembling | Avoid downtown Ellicott City area to enable rescuers to gain access
— Howard Co Fire & EMS (@HCDFRS) May 27, 2018

Ellicott City, Woodlawn, Catonsville, Arbutus, Ilchester, Oella, Halethorpe, Daniels and other areas may experience flooding during the warning period on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

Those in the flash flood warning area are advised to seek higher ground immediately.

People in Ellicott City in need of shelter may go to the Roger Carter Community Center at 3000 Milltowne Drive.

SEE ALSO:

• Maryland Weather: Flood Alerts And Marine Warning Issued
• Flooding Closes Route 1 Near Perry Hall: Officials
• Tornado Warning Canceled For Carroll, Baltimore Counties
• Water Spouts Possible Over Maryland Waters: Weather Officials

See the forecast from the National Weather Service.

Those affected by the storm who are in need of non-emergency assistance can call the Howard County Police Department at 410-313-2200.

This is breaking news and will be updated.

Flash Flood Warning including Ellicott City MD, Catonsville MD, Ilchester MD until 7:30 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/2GmuDi1nW6
— NWS DC/Baltimore (@NWS_BaltWash) May 27, 2018

Top image a screenshot from video used with permission of Max Robinson; second image a screeshot from YouTube video by Christa Rose. Main image courtesy of Gov. Larry Hogan on Main Street in Ellicott City on May 27, 2018.

Main Street #EllicottCity flooding. pic.twitter.com/crYP74go08
— Libby Solomon (@libsolomon) May 27, 2018