Publication Date August 31, 2016 | The Weather Channel

2 Maryland Flood Victims Identified; 'Total Devastation' in Ellicott City

United States
Floods severely damaged property and vehicles on Main Street in Ellicott City, Maryland on Saturday night. Photo: Office of Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford
Floods severely damaged property and vehicles on Main Street in Ellicott City, Maryland on Saturday night. Photo: Office of Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford

 

Story Highlights

Major flooding occurred in Ellicott City, Maryland, Saturday night.

A second body was found on Sunday.

At least 120 residents had to be rescued amid the disaster. 

More than 6 inches of rain fell in a short period of time, resulting in torrents that swept cars away and prompted water rescues.

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County Executive Allan Kittlemantold AP the damage sustained during the flooding Saturday night was the worst in at least 50 years and possibly the worst in the 244-year-old town's history.

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Cause and Effect

The flooding was the result of slow-moving thunderstorms in the region. More than 6 inches of rain fell in Ellicott City in a short period of time.

A rise of more than 13 feet was recorded on the Patapsco River in Ellicott City in a few hours time Saturday evening. Record flooding was recorded by two gauges on the Patapsco River downstream from Ellicott City in Catonsville and near Elkridge. 

Howard County Fire and Rescue tweeted multiple closures due to flooding, including Centennial Park, which will be closed until after damage assessment can be completed