State of emergency declared as Baltimore devastated by floods

Flash floods have ripped through a town in Maryland, the US, after heavy rainfall.

Damage on Main Street after a flash flood rushed through the historic town of Ellicott City, Maryland, USA, 27 May 2018. Source: AAP

The governor of Maryland in the United States has declared a state of emergency in a community west of Baltimore hit by flash floods.

Governor Larry Hogan said on Facebook that he is heading to Ellicott City, located about 22km west of Baltimore, after Sunday's flash flooding form recent heavy rains.

Authorities had no immediate report of any injuries or fatalities though information is still preliminary.

Numerous water rescues were reported after heavy rain drenched the state and sent raging brown water surging down Main Street in Ellicott City and past vehicles.

Authorities said Ellicott City, on the west bank of Maryland's Patapsco River, is prone to periodic flooding.

Some residents of Ellicott City told The Baltimore Sun the flooding appeared to be worse than that from a storm two years ago that claimed two lives and destroyed local businesses.

Water rushes through Main Street in Ellicott City, Md., Sunday, May 27, 2018. Source: AAP