Hurricane Ian could bring gusts up to 50 mph to Maryland beaches
SATURDAY UPDATE: Hurricane Ian impact felt in Ocean City, Maryland and Virginia
The latest as of Friday, Sep. 30 at 6 a.m.
Hurricane Ian remains a Category 1 Hurricane with wind speeds of 85 mph, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and is expected to continue north.
The Delmarva Peninsula also continues to brace itself for prolonged rain and flooding with the National Weather Service issuing an updated High Surf Advisory for Coastal Worcester County, including Ocean City, until 6 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. Expected are large breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet in the surf zone causing dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion.
An updated wind advisory was also issued until 4 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1 for Maryland beaches and Virginia counties including Northumberland, Lancaster, Gloucester, Middlesex, Mathews, Accomack and Northampton. Northeast winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected.
[For updated watches and warnings on Delmarva, scroll to bottom of article]
Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages mayresult.
Ocean City can expect rain, mainly after 2 p.m. on Friday, Sep. 30 with it being heavy at times. Windy conditions will persist with gusts from 22 to 37 mph. An 80% chance of rain will bring between a quarter and half of an inch of precipitation. Saturday will stay with the same chance of rain before 2 p.m. Finally, Sunday can possibly see gusts as high as 40 mph with a 60% chance of rain before 2 p.m.
South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina can expect landfall by Friday afternoon, with ongoing flooding continuing throughout central Florida. Considerable flooding is expected for the Carolinas as well as southern Virginia. Current maps have Hurricane Ian crossing into Virginia on Saturday, Oct. 1 at approximately 2 p.m.
Original Story
Ian returned to hurricane status as it continues its destructive march north toward the Delmarva Peninsula. With it comes a bevy of closures, cancellations and storm preparations.
SATURDAY UPDATE: Hurricane Ian impact felt in Ocean City, Maryland and Virginia
Residents of the Eastern Shore are awaiting severe weather as the National Weather Service issued several advisories Thursday.
On Delmarva, the wind had already picked up Thursday. A portion of the Eastern Shore of Virginia was under a Storm Warning on Thursday evening, with the rest of the Shore under a Gale Warning. A Small Craft Advisory remained in effect overnight.
A High Wind Advisory was issued for 8 a.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Saturday for Maryland beaches, and most of Virginia, including ocean-side towns like Ocean City. Winds will be 20-30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
Unsecured objects could be blown around, and tree limbs could be blown down possibly resulting in power outages.
Along with a Hazardous Weather Outlook and a previous high surf advisory of 6- to 8-foot waves, The weather service also issued a Beach Hazard Statement for all Maryland beaches noting a High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 6-10 feet expected in the surf zone. There is also a high risk of rip currents from 6 a.m. Saturday into the evening.
Rain is likely Friday after 2 p.m. and throughout the weekend.
The Maryland Department of Emergency Management tweeted there is the chance of isolated instances of flooding on the lower Eastern Shore this weekend.
Inland in Salisbury, the weather service forecasts winds at 13-18 mph and gusts as high as 33 mph Friday through Saturday.
Cancellations and rescheduled events
Accomack and Northampton County public schools were closed Friday.
High school football games were moved to earlier in the week.
Among the cancellations were the three-day Oceans Calling music festival in Ocean City, with Ocean City bars ready to serve those unable to cancel any reservations.
Postponed was the TidalHeath's 125th anniversary party in Salisbury, Wor-Wic's 5K Run/Walk and the 2022 Law Enforcement Team Cup Challenge, and the Mud Bog at the Great Pocomoke Fair grounds.
More on cancellationsOceans Calling officially cancelled due to Ian
Hurricane Ian's path
Ian struck Florida as a Category 4 hurricane before moving across central Florida and out over the Atlantic Ocean while leaving a death toll of at least 14 and dropping to tropical storm. Back to hurricane strength Tuesday afternoon, Ian is forecast to head back toward the U.S., hitting South Carolina on Friday.
As the Carolinas prepares to receive the storm, with its wind gusts and tidal flooding, locations like Virginia are also bracing for similar forecasts. Rep. Elaine Luria urged coastal Virginians to prepare for potential impact from remnants of Hurricane Ian that include heavy rain, tidal flooding and strong winds throughout Hampton Roads.
More on Tropical Storm IanHow has this tropical storm impact the East coast?
"The National Weather Service in Wakefield estimates severe weather with a marginal risk of tornadoes to begin on Friday and last throughout the weekend. Current forecasts estimate 6-8 inches of rain across the region," said a statement by Luria.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin has already called for a state of emergency readying supplies, resources and shelter for residents.
The latest Warnings and Watches
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This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Hurricane Ian: Warnings and watches for Maryland, Virginia, Ocean City
