Hurricane Dorian: Anne Arundel County To See Flooding, High Winds

ANNAPOLIS, MD — As Hurricane Dorian wreaked havoc over Cape Hatteras Friday morning, it continued on its way northeasterly, deluging Ocean City with 2 to 3 inches of rain, raging surf and high winds. In Anne Arundel County, a coastal flood watch will be in effect Saturday and water may creep close to businesses on Dock Street in Annapolis.

Winds are expected to peak at 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts up to 50 miles per hour. The Maryland Transportation Authority issued a wind warning for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Friday morning.

“With Hurricane Dorian expected to affect the Lower Shore and St. Mary’s County, I have directed state agencies to stand ready to respond and I urge Marylanders to take all appropriate precautions,” said Gov. Larry Hogan in a statement. “Please stay tuned to your local news stations and emergency management offices for the latest updates and, most importantly, use common sense.”

The hazardous weather outlook issued by the National Weather Service covers the Chesapeake Bay, Tidal Potomac River, Patapsco River and Patuxent River,

A coastal flood watch takes effect Saturday afternoon, Sept. 7, and lasts through the night for Anne Arundel County. The National Weather Service anticipates moderate tidal flooding to occur, reaching about two feet above normal at high tide. Water may seep through storm drains and approach businesses on Dock Street in Annapolis. Water also may encroach upon the Maritime Museum and cover Bowyer Road at the Naval Academy.

The National Weather Service's forecast for Anne Arundel County calls for scattered showers Friday afternoon that linger into the evening. Saturday will be mostly sunny with a high near 81. Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high near 79, but there is a slight chance of rain after 9 p.m.

A tropical storm warning was expanded Friday to include the Chesapeake Bay bordering Calvert County, which may see wind gusts of 40 miles per hour Friday afternoon, the Maryland Emergency Management Agency reported before 10 a.m. Friday.

Bridges and road closures are anticipated, and rescues and evacuations may be required in Ocean City, where the tropical storm warning for Maryland beaches calls for significant flooding impacts to the coastal town. There may also be limited wind damage.

"The storm is currently moving quickly and should be out of our area late this evening," the town of Ocean City said in a statement Friday, Sept. 6. "While the sun is expected to shine tomorrow, strong rip currents are likely to continue and beach-goers are urged to use common sense and extra caution. Remember, 'Keep your feet in the sand, until a lifeguard is in the stand.'"

SEE ALSO:

• Hurricane Dorian In Ocean City: Heavy Surf About To Swamp Cars
• Hurricane Dorian: Wind Warning Issued For Chesapeake Bay Bridge
• Hurricane Dorian Maryland: Storm Pummels Outer Banks, Heads North