Ocean City Floods, Hazardous Weather Outlook Issued In Maryland

BALTIMORE, MD — The potential for heavy rain is still in the forecast for central Maryland and the Eastern Shore. The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook calling for scattered storms through Monday for much of the state that could cause flooding. A small craft advisory has been issued for Sunday evening to Monday morning.

Flash flood watches have been issued across the state, effective Sunday afternoon to early Monday. Weather officials expect 1 to 3 inches of rainfall during the watch periods, with higher amounts possible in some areas.

Severe weather occurred in different parts of the state on Saturday. Three people were reportedly hit by lightning in Baltimore City Saturday afternoon. And on the Eastern Shore, police advised people to avoid part of Ocean City for a time, since roads were impassable due to a flash flood.

The lightning strike happened at Patterson Park and resulted in serious injury to three people, including two children, according to reports.

RELATED: 3 People Struck By Lightning At Patterson Park

In Worcester County, which includes Ocean City, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning until 7:15 p.m. Saturday because roads were flooded with 1 to 2 feet of water, causing cars to stall out.

"We are experiencing significant flooding on our roadways, particularly Coastal Highway north of 94th Street," the Ocean City Police Department said in a statement Saturday around 2:30 p.m.

"At this time, the area is impassable, and officers are working to close the roadway," police said. "Please avoid driving in north Ocean City until the storm passes and the waters recede."

Between 4 and 6 inches of rain fell in a matter of hours in Ocean City, weather officials said at 4 p.m., when radar showed another round of storms approaching that could bring 1 to 2 inches of additional rain.

The main photo above was taken on 1st Street in Ocean City by Kat Sheeler of Lutherville, who told Patch "the water rose so quickly" that within minutes, it was knee-high.

Here was the view through the Maryland Department of Transportation's traffic camera near the Ocean City drawbridge at 5:05 p.m. Saturday.

Baltimore area entertainment reporter Downtown Diane recorded people paddling along Coastal Highway:

Ever Paddle Down @OCMaryland Coastal Highway? @wjz @TimWilliamsWJZ @baltimoresun #DelMarVa #Maryland @TravelMD #Maryland #OCMD pic.twitter.com/EY8KLDSQpU
— Downtown Diane (@downtowndiane) June 9, 2018

Flooding in #northsidepark. #OCMD pic.twitter.com/2XftM8Tj9T
— Karyn Ratcliffe (@KarynRatcliffe) June 9, 2018

A special marine warning was issued until 5:30 p.m. Saturday for boaters on the Chesapeake Bay; strong thunderstorms with winds of at least 34 knots were located along a line from Worton Point to Back River to Fort Smallwood, and those in small crafts may be thrown overboard by winds and waves that strike suddenly, causing their boats to capsize, the warning said.

Forecast For Sunday

Rain is likely to show up again on Sunday. According to the hazardous weather outlook for central Maryland, showers and thunderstorms capable of locally heavy rain could lead to flooding Sunday afternoon and night.

The Maryland beaches are under a hazardous weather outlook on Sunday with thunderstorms possible in the afternoon and evening that could produce localized flooding, the weather service said; that covers Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties.

UPDATE: Flash Flood Watch Issued Sunday For Most Of Maryland

See your local forecast here from the National Weather Service.

Boaters are under a small craft advisory from 6 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday with winds from 18 to 33 knots forecast.

Heavy rain is possible on Monday, which also presents the possibility of flooding, weather officials say.

These areas in central Maryland are under the hazardous weather outlook calling for rain and potential flooding through Monday:

• Allegany County
• Anne Arundel County
• Baltimore City
• Baltimore County
• Calvert County
• Carroll County
• Cecil County
• Charles County
• Frederick County
• Harford County
• Howard County
• Montgomery County
• Prince George's County
• St. Mary's County
• Washington County

Main picture of 1st Street in Ocean City by Kat Sheeler.