More Rainfall Slammed Howard County During Flood Than Irene

More rainfall swept away cars, flooded basements and roads, and mobilized emergency rescue efforts on Wednesday than during Hurricane Irene's windy wrath that hit the region Aug. 27 and 28.

Between 2 and 4 inches of rain fell during Irene, compared to 4 to 7.5 inches during the tropical storm event Wednesday that, during its peak, caused 4 inches of rain to fall in three hours in the Columbia/Ellicott City area, according to Howard County officials.

Other statistics from Howard County officials from the storm Wednesday:

• Six vehicles had to be rescued by Howard County fire officials after being swept away or trapped in water.
• Between 15 and 20 buildings were reported flooded, predominantly on Main Street in Ellicott City; four homes were reported flooded.
• Zero injuries from the flooding and storm were reported.
• Two teens were found clinging to a tree near Lake Elkhorn around 4:15 Wednesday and were taken in by Howard County rescue teams. They had been stranded for about 15 to 20 minutes, and declined medical treatment.
• There were 29 roads in Howard County closed at the storm's peak, according to Patch estimates. As of Thursday afternoon, only two roads were closed: Furnace Avenue at the county line, and Levering Avenue at the viaduct.