ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan signed an Executive Order Sunday, July 31 declaring a state of emergency in Howard County in response to severe thunderstorms that occurred overnight Saturday, July 31 and early Sunday morning, July 31. The thunderstorms caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure in the central part of the state, including intense flooding in the historic town of Ellicott City. The Executive Order will allow the state to efficiently coordinate support and provide additional assistance to Howard County.
The governor declared the State of Emergency from Howard County, where he is meeting with local officials and citizens in Ellicott City, and surveying the damage caused by recent flooding.
“We are coordinating all available resources to address this emergency as quickly as possible,” said Governor Hogan. “Our administration is working closely with local officials, including Howard County Executive Allen Kittleman, to respond to this major storm event. ”
The Hogan administration has asked state agencies to respond to the effects of this storm, including the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, which has increased its activation level and is coordinating resource requests received from Howard County.
Those affected by the storm who are in need of non-emergency assistance can call Howard County’s Police Department at 410-313-2200.
For more information, residents can also go to MEMA’s website at mema.maryland.gov, follow MEMA’s Twitter feed at @MDMEMA, or follow MEMA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MDMEMA.