On Sunday, May 27, 2018, between 3:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M. a massive storm released nearly two months of rain, over , onto the Ellicott City area causing catastrophic flooding in the surrounding area, which swept away roads and cars, and brought more than of rapidly moving water down
Main Street in Old Ellicott City. These flash floods were intensified by the fact the Historic Ellicott City is built at the confluence of three streams running under the streets of Ellicott City. A large portion of the southbound
US 29 flooded several feet. Heavy rains and rapidly rising water washed away portions of several roads. The
National Weather Service reported rainfall totals in excess of in several areas, with
Catonsville receiving the highest at and Ellicott City receiving . According to meteorologists, the storm was "likely worse" than the
2016 Maryland flood because Ellicott City received only of rain during the 2016 flood, which was almost half as much of rain received in the 2018 flood. The 39-year-old National Guardsman and
U.S. Air Force veteran Sgt. Eddison "Eddie" Hermond was reported missing after helping a local business owner who was trapped by rising water. Hermond was swept away by the current. Active recovery efforts were underway on May 28, 2018, and suspended the next day after his body was recovered in the
Patapsco River. "We're deeply saddened to learn that the body of Sgt. Eddison Hermond has been found." Governor Hogan mourned Hermond's loss. "There are no words to adequately describe our sense of loss," he said in a statement. "He bravely risked his life to assist a fellow citizen during the flooding in Ellicott City. Our heartfelt prayers go out to Sgt. Hermond's family and loved ones." To honor Hermond, all Maryland flags were ordered to fly at half-staff.
Surrounding rivers The water level of the Patapsco River southeast of Ellicott City surpassed its previous peak record when it experienced a increase. == Aftermath ==