2018 Maryland flood
Date | May 27, 2018 |
---|---|
Location | Maryland, United States |
Deaths | 1[1] |
Property damage | “Building damage and cars washed away” |
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7d/Hydrograph_of_Patapsco_River_near_Elkridge_at_Patapsco_Valley_State_Park.png/250px-Hydrograph_of_Patapsco_River_near_Elkridge_at_Patapsco_Valley_State_Park.png)
Purple: Major Flood Stage; Red: Moderate Flood Stage; Orange: Flood Stage; Yellow: Action Stage;
On the afternoon of May 27, 2018, after receiving over 8 inches (20 cm) of rain in the span of two hours, historic Main Street in Ellicott City, Maryland flooded[2] again days before the new flood emergency alert system was to become operational.[3][4] Flooding occurred throughout the Patapsco Valley in the adjacent communities of Catonsville, Arbutus, and Elkridge, as well as the Jones Falls Valley in Baltimore.[5]
Flood event
On May 27, 2018, a massive storm released nearly two months of rain, over 9.71 inches (24.7 cm) in 2 hours on the Ellicott City area, causing catastrophic flooding in the surrounding area, which swept away several roads, cars and brought more than 10 feet (3.0 m) of rapidly moving water down Main Street in Old Ellicott City. A large portion of southbound Route 29 flooded several feet and heavy rains and rapidly rising water washed away portions of several roads.[6][7][8][4]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ef/Funeral_of_Sgt._Eddison_Hermonds_%2841936835044%29.jpg/220px-Funeral_of_Sgt._Eddison_Hermonds_%2841936835044%29.jpg)
Howard County officials reported at least 30 water rescues and one missing person as a result of the storm.[9]
According to meteorologists, the storm was "likely worse" than the 2016 Maryland flood.[10]
The National Weather Service reported rainfall totals in excess of 10 inches (25 cm) in several areas, with Catonsville receiving the highest at 10.38 inches (26.4 cm) and Ellicott City receiving 8.40 inches (21.3 cm).[11]
One person was reported missing after helping a local business owner who was trapped by rising water after he was swept away by the current. Active recovery efforts were underway as of May 28th and were suspended on May 29th after his body was recovered in the Patapsco River. The missing man was identified as Sgt. Eddison A. Hermond, 39, a National Guard member and U.S. Air Force veteran.[1][12]
Surrounding rivers
The Patapsco River, just southeast of Ellicott City experienced a 17-foot (5.2 m) increase in water.[13]
Aftermath
On May 28, Governor Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency.[4]
See also
References
- ^ a b Tkacik, Christina; Meehan, Sarah (May 29, 2018). "National Guardsman's heroism in Ellicott City flood recalled as 'the most Eddie thing ever'". The Baltimore Sun.
- ^ Samenow, Jason; Fritz, Angela (May 27, 2018). "A catastrophic flash flood event underway in Ellicott City — the second in two years". The Washington Post.
- ^ Magill, Kate (May 21, 2018). "High-tech flood monitoring planned for Ellicott City watershed". Columbia Flier. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
- ^ a b c Grinberg, Emanuella; DiGiacomo, Janet (May 27, 2018). "Flash floods again rip through Ellicott City, Maryland; 1 missing". CNN.
- ^ Campbell, Colin (May 27, 2018). "Flooding prompts rescues, evacuations throughout Baltimore region". The Baltimore Sun.
- ^ "FLOOD WARNING EXTENDED: Water Rescues Underway". WBFF. Associated Press. May 27, 2018.
- ^ Lada, Brian (May 29, 2018). "Catastrophic flash flood strikes Ellicott City, Maryland; Body of missing National Guardsman found". AccuWeather.
- ^ Mele, Christopher; Baumgaertner, Emily (May 27, 2018). "One Missing After Flash Flooding Rages Through Community Near Baltimore". The New York Times.
- ^ Olmos, Dori (May 27, 2018). "'Devastating, dangerous' - Ellicott City's Main Street hit with flooding again". WUSA (TV).
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(help) - ^ Tkacik, Christina (May 28, 2018). "How does latest Ellicott City storm stack up with 2016? Meteorologists weigh in". The Baltimore Sun.
- ^ "NWSChat". National Weather Service. NOAA. May 28, 2018.
- ^ Miller, Michael E.; Shapira, Ian (May 28, 2018). "'Washed away real quick': Missing Md. man was trying to help woman trapped by flood". The Washington Post.
- ^ Carr, Ada; Breslin, Sean (May 29, 2018). "Ellicott City, Maryland, Struck by Catastrophic Flooding; 1 Missing". Weather.com.