ELLICOTT CITY, MD – In anticipation of severe weather and in response to a Flood Watch issued by the US National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington (NWS), Howard County Government is proactively implementing several public safety measures, including parking restrictions, in Historic Ellicott City on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
At 2:43 p.m. on July 30, the NWS issued a Flood Watch with the threat of flash flooding for areas of central Maryland, including all of Howard County, in effect at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 31. According to NWS, significant flash flooding is possible during this time. Numerous showers and thunderstorms will develop and move across the area Thursday afternoon into Thursday evening. Thunderstorms will be capable of producing very heavy rain, with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches in 30 minutes. Widespread rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected. Some areas could experience multiple rounds of thunderstorms, with higher rainfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches possible. This could result in numerous instances of flash flooding. Showers and thunderstorms will begin early Thursday afternoon, and the heaviest rainfall is most likely from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Additionally, the water level behind the Liberty Dam, which feeds into the Patapsco River, is currently near the crest of the dam, which limits the capacity of the Liberty Dam to store additional rainwater during severe weather. Finally, the region is experiencing significant heat and humidity, which contributes to the likelihood of severe weather.
Out of an abundance of caution and in response to the NWS’ forecasted rainfall rates of one to two inches in 30 minutes, with the potential for four to six inches an hour in some areas, this afternoon and evening, July 31, the Howard County Police Department (HCPD) is implementing PARKING RESTRICTIONS throughout Historic Ellicott City.
Beginning at 1:00 p.m., parking will be PROHIBITED along Main Street from Ellicott Mills Drive to the Patapsco River bridge at the Howard County/Baltimore County line and along Maryland Avenue. Additionally, Parking Lot D behind the Howard County Welcome Center and Parking Lot E off Court Avenue behind Phoenix Upper Main are CLOSED.
Motorists have until 2:00 p.m. to move their vehicle from these areas to the recommended upper Historic Circuit Courthouse parking lot. Vehicles that have not been moved by 2:00 p.m. will be towed by HCPD at no cost to the owner up to this parking lot.
In the event of severe weather and significant rainfall, Main Street may be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic at various points throughout the day.
Please remember, if residents come upon a flooded roadway, turn around, don’t drown. It takes just a mere six inches of fast-moving flood water to knock over an adult, 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just two feet of rushing water to carry away SUVs and trucks. It is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters.
Finally, Howard County Departments of Recreation and Parks and Public Works crews will secure Howard County Government-owned, outdoor furniture in Historic Ellicott City as a precaution. Residents and business owners are strongly encouraged to do the same.
To monitor the storms, the Howard County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has activated the County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Representatives from OEM, HCPD, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS), Department of Public Works Stormwater Management Division, and County Administration will monitor storms closely and coordinate response.
For the most up-to-date forecast, residents are encouraged to tune into their local television and/or radio news stations. Residents can also stay weather aware by making sure emergency alerts are activated on their mobile device (www.ready.gov/alerts) and by subscribing to weather alerts through the U.S. National Weather Service's website at www.weather.gov/enterprise/.