ELLICOTT CITY, Md. — County officials declared a State of Emergency after massive flooding in a city just outside Baltimore, according to our ABC affiliate WJLA.
Heavy rain poured down on Ellicott City, Maryland, Saturday night. At least one person was killed in the flash floods.
Video shows cars floating away as flood waters rush through the streets. In one man's video, a man holds onto his car as its washed away by flood waters and is pulled underwater. The man who shot the video says that man was OK.
Howard County officials declared the State of Emergency just before midnight.
"Doing this will allow the County to access state resources to assist areas impacted by tonight's flooding," the Howard County Government declared on their Facebook page.
Officials warned residents to stay safe and not to attempt to drive through standing water.
"The Howard County Office of Emergency Management has activated it Emergency Operations Center. We have been monitoring and responding to water rescues and are currently compiling a list of closed roads. Please remain cautious and if you see a flooded road, 'turn around, don't drown.' Please call 9-1-1 to report an emergency. For non-emergency situations, please call 410-313-2200,” the Howard County Government issued alert stated.
"Howard County first responders are currently evacuating people from flooded areas of Main Street in historic Ellicott City and moving them to the Howard County Recreation and Parks' Roger Carter Center. There was significant flash flooding in the historic district. Please avoid the area," the Howard County Government also reported late Saturday evening.
The flooding also damaged roads, buildings and store fronts. %
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"The Historic Ellicott City Clock on Main Street has been swept away," East Coast Alert tweeted.
WJLA reported that one couple had a close call when their pet cat was swept away. The cats owner dove under the water and saved its life.