On July 30, 2016, the first of two destructive floods in two years occurred in Ellicott City.

On July 30, 2016, the first of two destructive floods in two years occurred in Ellicott City. Both the 2016 and 2018 floods were “tributary” or “downhill” floods, meaning that the waters rushed down Main Street from one or more of the tributaries that flow into the Patapsco River. Six inches of rain fell in Ellicott City on that July evening of 2016. The subsequent flooding caused severe damage to homes, businesses, vehicles, and historic landmarks. Sadly, two people lost their lives in the flood — Jessica Watsula, 35, and Joseph A. Blevins, 38.

Dr. Mark Stout

Damage from the 2016 tributary flood in downtown Ellicott City. Photo courtesy of Howard County Historical Society.