AN EMERGENCY warning has been declared in
Maryland,
USA after
Ellicott City was left devastated by severe flash
flooding with warnings issued for residents to take shelter.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has declared a state of emergency after the state was pounded with heavy rain.
Mr Hogan warned people to take “extreme caution” and “avoid travelling if possible”.
Meteorologist Jonathan Belles said more than six inches of rain fell in under two hours between Ellicott City and Baltimore.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency at 4.40pm (9:40pm BST).
It is believed multiple water rescues are underway.
The National Weather Service warned: “This is an extremely dangerous and potentially catastrophic situation.”
Weather radar has suggested heavy rain will not ease in the area until between 6pm and 7pm (11pm and 12pm BST).
Officials in the area are urging people to find higher ground and not drive through flooded roads.
Baltimore County Fire Department spokeswoman Elise Armacost said: “If you don’t have to be outside, you shouldn’t be.”
At least five roads in Baltimore have been closed due to the flooding.
Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman characterised the flooding as “very bad”.
Mr Kittleman said there have been no reports of injuries but added the situation was still developing and more rain is expected.
He said: “We’re just asking people to not come to Ellicott City.
“Get off the roadways so that our emergency vehicles can get there when they need to.”
Howard County government said the flooding was on the same scale as a deadly 2016 storm.
On July 30, 2016, flood waters tore through Ellicott City’s historic downtown.
Two people died as a result.