Hurricane Dorian In Ocean City: Heavy Surf About To Swamp Cars

OCEAN CITY, MD — As waves spilled into the parking lot of the Ocean City inlet Friday afternoon, motorists scrambled to get their vehicles out of harm's way. A handful of SUVs and trucks remained in the lot after 2 p.m., while the raging waters surged toward land.

Mild to moderate flooding is expected during high tide cycles, including in the downtown area, Ocean City officials reported.

Friday afternoon's high tide came at 3:12 p.m, while the next high tides are projected to hit at 3:11 a.m. and 4:23 p.m. Saturday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

High water has already prompted road closures in Ocean City.

St. Louis Avenue from 1st Street to Talbot Street under the US 50 bridge is impassable, the Ocean City Police Department reported before 3 p.m. Bus routes have been altered to North Division Street, police said.

Philadelphia Avenue was closed to southbound traffic between 1st Street and Wicomico Street before 3 p.m. due to high water, according to state transportation officials.

The area remains under a tropical storm warning as 25 to 35 mph winds with gusts up to 50 mph rip through the region, and 2 to 3 inches of rain may fall, according to authorities.

Storm surge may bring 1 to 3 feet of water above ground through Saturday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service, which advised staying away from surge-prone areas.

"Remain well away from locally hazardous surge," weather officials warned. "Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or videos."

Citing serious concerns over strong surf and limited visibility, the Ocean City Beach Patrol restricted swimming Friday and said surf conditions may be affected through the weekend.

"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. Emergency management plans to remain vigilant.

"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,'" Ocean City officials advised.

SEE ALSO:

• Hurricane Dorian Maryland: Storm Pummels Outer Banks, Heads North
• Hurricane Dorian: How To Prepare Maryland Homes, Families
• Hurricane Dorian Smacks Maryland, NC, Heads North Toward MA
• Hurricane Dorian: Wind Warning Issued For Chesapeake Bay Bridge