2016 Maryland flood

The 2016 Maryland flood was a natural disaster in the United States that took place on July 30, 2016.^[3] The flooding, which occurred in the Baltimore area, affected low-lying areas of the Patapsco and Jones Falls valleys.^[4] The storm caused significant damage to the historic downtown area of Ellicott City, Maryland.^[5]

2016 Maryland flood

Flood damage along Main Street in Ellicott City on August 10
Date	July 30, 2016
Location	Maryland, United States
Deaths	2[1]
Property damage	$22.435 million (2016 USD)[2]

Flood event

Governor Larry Hogan and Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman in Ellicott City shortly after the flood

On the evening of July 30, a severe thunderstorm moved into the area of Ellicott City where it dumped an estimated 6 inches (15 cm) of rain in two hours. The flash flood that resulted inflicted severe damage to the area primarily on Main Street (Maryland Route 144).^[1] Flooding damaged many homes, businesses, sidewalks, and landmarks, including the city's landmark clock.^[6] Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency and at least two people were confirmed to have died (Jessica Watsula, 35, and Joseph A. Blevins, 38).^[1][3][7]

Aftermath

Main Street remained closed for more than two months as businesses and residents cleaned up from the floods and began repairing damaged buildings and sidewalks. The street reopened to vehicle and pedestrian traffic on October 6, 2016.^[8] The Howard County Councilman Jon Weinstein (District 1) attempted to put a moratorium on development throughout the Tiber-Hudson watershed, but the push was ultimately unsuccessful in preventing further development.^[9]

See also

• Hurricane Agnes (1972)
• Hurricane Eloise (1975)
• Hurricane Hugo (1989)
• Tropical Storm Lee (2011)
• 2018 Maryland flood

References

1. Rector, Kevin (2016-08-01). "2 dead, emergency declared after historic Ellicott City ravaged by flash flood". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on 2016-07-31. Retrieved 2016-08-01.
2. Maryland Event Reports: July 30, 2016, NCEI
3. Chaney, Eric (2016-08-01). "2 Maryland Flood Victims Identified; 'Total Devastation' in Ellicott City". The Weather Channel. Archived from the original on 2016-08-01. Retrieved 2018-02-01.
4. Simmons, Melody (2016-08-01). "'It's got its beauty and it's got its beast' business owners lament of flood-prone Jones Falls Valley". Baltimore Business Journal. Retrieved 2016-08-01.
5. "Flash flood kills 2, devastates Maryland city's historic downtown". USA Today. 2016-08-01. Archived from the original on 2016-08-03. Retrieved 2018-02-01.
6. Berk, Justin (2016-07-30). "Flooding In Historic Ellicott City July 30 2016 Takes Out The Clock" (video). Retrieved 2018-02-01 – via YouTube.
7. Wiggins, Ovetta; Hui, Mary; Cox, John Woodrow (2016-07-31). "'We thought we were gone': At least 2 dead after severe flash flood in Ellicott City, Md". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 2016-08-01. Retrieved 2018-02-01.
8. Murillo, Mike (2016-10-07). "Ellicott City's historic Main Street reopens after devastating flood". WTOP. Archived from the original on 2017-03-29. Retrieved 2018-02-01.
9. Waseem, Fatimah. "Ellicott City flood prompts call for nine-month freeze on development". Archived from the original on 2016-09-09. Retrieved 2018-05-28.