State Resources Available For Ellicott City, Impacted Areas; Governor Urges Marylanders to Avoid Damaged Areas, Heed Local Authorities’ Instructions
“We are heartbroken to see the devastation that occurred yesterday in Ellicott City, and the serious flooding in multiple jurisdictions across our state. State agencies have been working around the clock to coordinate resources, begin assessing damages, and clean up debris, mud, and damaged infrastructure.”
Governor Larry Hogan has directed Maryland state agencies to coordinate and work together to keep Marylanders safe and informed following yesterday’s severe weather, which included extensive and persistent rain, major flooding, and power outages in multiple locations throughout the state. Ellicott City in Howard County was particularly devastated by this weather event, which also included significant flooding in Southwest Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and Annapolis.Governor Larry Hogan has directed Maryland state agencies to coordinate and work together to keep Marylanders safe and informed following yesterday’s severe weather, which included extensive and persistent rain, major flooding, and power outages in multiple locations throughout the state. Ellicott City in Howard County was particularly devastated by this weather event, which also included significant flooding in Southwest Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and Annapolis.Governor Hogan declared a statewide State of Emergency on Sunday, May 27, which enables the state to efficiently coordinate support and provide additional assistance to all local jurisdictions experiencing flooding conditions. The governor is urging Marylanders to avoid the Ellicott City area while crews perform rescue operations and work to assess the damage left by the floods to begin the recovery process. The following actions and operations are being undertaken by state agencies to respond to the storm and assist those affected by the flooding and severe weather conditions:
Maryland Emergency Management Agency
• On Sunday, MEMA elevated the State Response Activation Level to help efficiently coordinate assistance and support for local emergency management offices.
• MEMA is supporting Howard County and other jurisdictions’ requests for assistance and fulfilling needs as requests come in.
• MEMA is coordinating with neighboring states for support and has collaborated with parts of Maryland and Virginia to organize an Incident Management Team to support operations in Howard County.
• MEMA is facilitating conference calls with state agencies and local partners to maintain situational awareness and coordination.
• MEMA Executive Director Russ Strickland is in Ellicott City today working with Howard County Office of Emergency Management.
Maryland State Police
• Superintendent Colonel William Pallozzi immediately contacted Howard County Police Chief Gary Gardner and offered assistance.
• A Maryland State Police Mobile Field Force was activated bringing more than two dozen state troopers to work perimeter security around Ellicott City, including members of the State Police Motorcycle Unit who are patrolling on all-terrain vehicles.
• Troopers from the Special Operations Division are staffing the Howard County Emergency Operations Center as well as the State Emergency Operations Center in order to ensure any requests for State Police assistance are addressed immediately.
• Maryland State Police Aviation Command crews are on standby to assist with any requested aerial support.
• During the storm, troopers responded to areas of high water, including the outer loop of I-695 between I-70 and Washington Blvd., where three feet of water required the highway to be temporarily closed.
Department of Agriculture
• If anyone is concerned about livestock affected by the flood, they should call MDA’s animal health office, 410-841-5810.
