WATCH: Historic Flooding Leaves Ellicott City Jewelry Store Underwater
ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (WJZ) -- We're getting a closer look at the immense power of the water that rolled through Ellicott City two weeks ago. It was all caught on a security camera inside a jewelry store, WJZ's Devin Bartolotta reports.
The owner of Craig Coyne Jewelers says he just got a hold of the surveillance video from the store the night of the flooding. The video of his store completely underwater, he was not able to stomach at first.
These are the moments that changed Ellicott City history and the life of store owner Sam Coyne forever.
"As soon as that door burst open and you saw everything flood out, that cost us about a half a million dollars," Coyne said.
Coyne's fine jewelry store, Craig Coyne, was one of many businesses gutted and reduced to mud in the Ellicott City floods just over two weeks ago.
The thousand-year flood raged through downtown, destroying stores and restaurants in its path, leaving dozens of people trapped and two dead.
"I have saved my whole life to start this company 16 years ago, so this is, this is my life's work right here," said Coyne.
Coyne says his building was lifted off its foundation, and like so many other buildings in Ellicott City, it may not be able to be saved.
Video from the surveillance cameras mounted on the ceiling captured the moments the water burst through the door, tossing eight-foot-long display cases like dollhouse furniture.
"All those showcases were custom made, with LED lighting," Coyne said.
With water filling to the ceiling, Coyne's livelihood is all but swept away.
"It is so substantial. I can see individual pieces of jewelry on those neck forms, and they're like children to me, I know each and every one of them," he said.
Now, Coyne must start over. The dramatic video is all that's left of a lifelong passion.
Coyne was able to recover about 100 pieces of jewelry from his shop, but flood insurance did not cover his inventory. He says he does not know what's next for his business.
City officials have announced a five-day window beginning this Thursday for residents and business owners to collect their belongings. After that, public works crews will close Main Street for several weeks to begin major repairs.