The Sun reported that state and local officials said the flash flooding that hit Ellicott City over the weekend didn't offer enough warning to escape the damage, destruction and deaths the city suffered ("Crews continue cleanup, 20 cars still in river after flood in Ellicott City," Aug. 1).
Yet for years there have been warnings of the Patapsco River and Tiber Creek's ability to unleash their fury. Recall, this is the town that stood up to Hurricane Agnes in 1972.
With the recent onslaught of highly-developed areas and impervious surfaces at elevations above Ellicott City, rivers of runoff flowing down the middle of Main Street have several times been the subject of news and social media reports. In 2012, the county's Department of Public Works made several recommendations to mitigate the risks these areas posed.
Similarly, in 2011 the Patapsco Heritage Greenway Subwatershed Restoration Action Plan clearly stated the need to minimize impervious surfaces in the development review process.
Yet this year plans were revealed for an increased density development surrounding the Plumtree Branch stream at Bethany Glen.
It remains to be seen whether the county will find the developer's plan for stormwater management sufficient. But officials certainly have been warned — loud and clear.
Suzanne E. Jones, Ellicott City