Hurricane Dorian In Ocean City: Flood Risks, Warnings

OCEAN CITY, MD — Flooding may be on the way for Maryland as Hurricane Dorian churns northward. Evacuations and road closures are possible in some parts of Ocean City, where heavy rain and storm surge pose a double threat to the coastal town, located on a barrier island.

Impacts from the main surge were unfolding, the National Weather Service reported as of 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5.

FRIDAY UPDATE: High Water Closes Roads In Ocean City, Swimming Restrictions In Place

"Expect flooding of low-lying roads and property," the tropical storm warning for Maryland beaches stated. "Stay away from storm surge prone areas."

Emergency management officials in Ocean City said they were closing the seawall and taking items off the beach earlier in the day. They said they anticipated the storm's remnants would arrive late Thursday and last 24 hours.

"Prolonged rain and sustained winds of 30-35 miles per hour are expected, along with moderate flooding during high tide cycles," according to a statement from the town of Ocean City.

Hurricane Dorian was located 410 miles south-southwest of Ocean City, the National Weather Service reported at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Dorian In Maryland: Latest Updates On Storm

Impacts to roads on the Eastern Shore could start early Friday morning, depending on the track of the storm, according to the Maryland State Highway Administration. Its crews were inspecting drainage inlets Thursday and readying supplies such as "road closed" signs, officials said.

While four Eastern Shore counties are under a tropical storm warning, weather officials said Ocean City was the location likely to be affected. Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties were included, while St. Mary's County was under a separate tropical storm warning.

Storm Surge: 1 To 3 Feet Of Water Possible On Land

Storm surge may bring 1 to 3 feet of water above ground through Saturday morning, pushed by winds surrounding the hurricane, according to the tropical storm warning, issued Thursday by the National Weather Service.

Floodwaters may enter some structures and compromise their foundations.

Marinas, docks, boardwalks and piers are likely to have minor to moderate damage, the warning says, and some small vessels may break away from their moorings.

A coastal flood watch was issued from 10 a.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Sunday, meaning conditions are favorable for flooding to develop, and residents should be prepared to protect their property.

"Heed any flood watches and warnings," the National Weather Service cautioned. "Failure to take action may result in serious injury or loss of life."

Storm surge is the leading killer associated with tropical storms and hurricanes, the National Weather Service advised. "Make sure you are in a safe area away from the surge zone. Even if you are not in a surge-prone area, you could find yourself cut off by flood waters during and after the storm."

Heavy Rain May Cause Flooding

On top of the storm surge and coastal flooding, Ocean City may get 1 to 3 inches of rain, with higher amounts in some areas.

Flooding is likely to be moderate, but the impacts may be significant, according to forecasters.

"Some road and bridge closures are expected," weather officials warn. "Evacuations and rescues may be necessary."

Streets and parking lots could turn into rivers as storm drains overflow.

When Ocean City got 4 to 6 inches of rain in a matter of hours on June 9, 2018, some had to paddle to their destinations after Coastal Highway became impassable and other area roads flooded.

This week as the remnants of Dorian threaten the Eastern Shore, weather officials warn that rivers and their tributaries may swell with swift currents and rush out of their banks. Creeks and ditches could also flood. Underpasses, low-lying spots and those with poor drainage may see "rapid inundation," according to the National Weather Service.

Water levels may rise well before the strong winds arrive, the National Hurricane Center said in a statement.

How To Prepare For Floods In Ocean City

Plan for extra travel time since some roads may flood and be temporarily closed.

Turn around — don't drown — if you come across a water-covered road. Just a few inches of water can cause a vehicle to move.

Treat all intersections where power is out as a two or four-way stop, and use headlights if windshield wipers are on.

Residents should batten down their outdoor furniture, including grills, and ensure their boats are secured, Ocean City officials advised.

Gather emergency supplies.

Prepare to leave low-lying vulnerable areas before conditions become unsafe.

Leave immediately if evacuation orders are given for your area. Know your evacuation zone.

This is the evacuation map for Ocean City, which uses a tiered approach based on National Weather Service guidance.

SEE ALSO:

• Hurricane Dorian: How To Prepare Maryland Homes, Families
• Hurricane Dorian Flooding, Wind Threats Continue; 4 U.S. Deaths