Old Ellicott City has always been known for flooding. The historic town was once a milling town, built directly next to the Patapsco River. In extreme storms or during hurricanes, the river would flood, and was so notorious that the local bridge had measurements of flood water heights. 

However, the 2016 flood stood out from other instances of flooding in the historic part town. On July 30th, heavy rain fell (4.56 inches in one hour, 6.60 inches total over two hours) causing massive flash flooding. The river rose 14 feet in 90 minutes (Case Study: Ellicott City Flood Event). People were trapped in town, forced to climb to the highest floors of buildings and watch as their cars were washed away. Two people died. In the aftermath, the physical and economic devastation was great. Main Street was closed and required repairs. Businesses attempted to rebuild, or left entirely. A similar event followed two years later in 2018. 

While flooding was common in Ellicott City before, severe flash floods and freak storms are only exacerbated by climate change. As the atmosphere heats up, the air is able to hold more water, thus heavier storms are made possible. With continued flash floods and heavy rains, Old Ellicott City becomes a dangerous place to plant roots, be that for a business or family. Citizens are forced to move elsewhere as life becomes unaffordable. While Old Ellicott City is not currently empty of businesses and homes, it is certainly a privilege to afford to remain there.

This is a real video from the 2016 flood. You can watch to get a feel for how fast and high the water was, and how it moved cars.
 

Cat Carlson-Estes