Photos Of Ellicott City Flash Flood 2018 Damage

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — Some observers predict the damage caused Sunday when flash floods roared down Main Street in historic Ellicott City could surpass the devastation wrought in a 2016 flood that was eerily similar. In both cases the town received about 6 inches of rain in roughly 2 hours, sending a wall of water surging through shops and businesses.

Residents on Sunday were urged to avoid the area, and those who were trapped were told to shelter in place, climbing to the highest ground nearby to await rescue. A public plea for help came via a Facebook post by Tea On The Tiber, a Victorian tea room in the 8000 block of Main Street. "Trapped in tea room with 30+ people. Send help," the venue said about 6:30 p.m.

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 about 7 p.m. and within half an hour everyone was safely out of the building.

(For more news like this, subscribe to Ellicott City Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here. And like Patch on Facebook!)

SEE ALSO: Ellicott City Flood: Governor Declares State Of Emergency

Several videos posted to social media included the sounds of alarms going off, and people yelling for help. Authorities have not said if there are people trapped or missing in the damaged buildings.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has declared a state of emergency for Ellicott City, had shared photos of the severe damage on his Facebook page.

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 Howard County Police Department at 410-313-2200.

Multiple rescue crews from across the state raced to Ellicott City to help rescue residents and visitors trapped in buildings. Below are a couple of photos from the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services public information officer, Pete Piringer. He said the department send several crews and its special operations battalion chief to Howard County and they were involved in rescues.

This is breaking news and will be updated.

Main photos from Gov. Larry Hogan's Facebook page