Tropical storm: Ocean City braces for winds, rain; Smith Island urged to evacuate

Kristian Jaime, Salisbury Daily Times
·5 min read

As Tropical Storm Ophelia prepares to make landfall, the Delmarva Peninsula braces itself by updating storm readiness information. Here is the latest.

As of Friday, the National Hurricane Center forecasts tropical storm conditions including heavy rainfall, strong winds, flooding and storm surge across portions of the southeast coast and mid-Atlantic. Widespread 2-4 inches of rainfall is expected throughout the eastern part of region, with local amounts up to 6 or more inches possible. This could lead to flash flooding.

Strong winds could lead to downed trees and power outages. Storm surge, which is the abnormal rising of water generated during a hurricane or tropical system, could reach 1 to 4 feet and inundate parts of coastal communities. High tides are likely to also exacerbate flooding. The effects from the storm are expected to last through Sunday.

More on the initial reporting Tropical storm warning: High winds, heavy rains coming to Ocean City, Delmarva

FEMA Region 3, which includes Virginia, Maryland and Delaware, encourages all residents to follow the instructions of their local emergency managers especially if asked to evacuate.

"By not following evacuation orders, you not only put yourself at risk, but potentially first responders as well," the weather service report said.

“I encourage residents in Virginia, Delaware and Maryland to prepare their families and homes now should they experience the impact of this storm, especially those along the coast,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “Ensure you have emergency supplies on hand and are ready to evacuate if instructed to do so. If it is safe, check on neighbors who may require assistance. This includes individuals with children, as well as older adults and people with disabilities.”

Ocean City battens down the hatches

The National Weather Service's office in Wakefield, Va., has placed Ocean City under a tropical storm warning. Ocean City Emergency Services is continuing to monitor the storm.

Currently, effects of the storm are expected to be seen in the Ocean City area beginning late Friday through Saturday.

Winds in excess of 40 mph are expected, with gusts reaching as high as 55 mph. Heavy rainfall is expected with rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches. Flooding is possible, especially in the downtown area.

More on past hurricane activity Watch: Rough surf comes to Ocean City as Hurricane Lee moves north off East Coast

Town of Ocean City personnel have begun completing pre-storm action items, including closing the seawall and removing items from the beach. Residents are encouraged to begin securing outdoor furniture, grills and water vessels, and prepare for power outages.

Somerset County issues evacuation warning

"Due to the impending storm … and the prediction of strong sustained winds, tidal flooding and an extended period of rain, the Somerset County Commissioners and Emergency Operations Center recommend a voluntary evacuation of Smith Island and other flood-prone areas of the county," the county said in statement.

Washington High School will be open as a shelter at 6 p.m. Friday for those that need it. Pets are allowed; bring their shot records, medications and crates if you have them.

Transportation to the shelter will be provided from the following locations at 5 p.m.:

  • Crisfield Fire Department (a stop will also be made at Marion Fire Department around 5:30 p.m.)

  • Fairmount Fire Department

  • Deal Island Fire Department

  • Mt. Vernon Fire Department

Residents should bring blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, medications and personal hygiene items. If you have special dietary needs, bring your own supplies.

Highway travel impacted

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is preparing for Tropical Storm Ophelia.

"According to the latest forecast, the lower Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland counties will be most affected.Forecasters are predicting several foot Chesapeake Bay tidal surges associated with the storm, which will cause flooding in low-lying shore areas within the Chesapeake Bay watershed," MDOT warned in a statement.

The State Highway Administration reminded motorists to avoid travel unless necessary. If you are driving during a storm, or shortly after, you might find a variety of dangerous situations. Please take extreme caution if you must go out. Here are some tips for motorists, MDOT advised.

  • Do not try to cross a flooded road. Eighty percent of flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. “Turn Around. Don’t Drown.” Two feet of rapidly moving water can float a bus and 6 inches can knock a person off their feet;

  • Avoid downed or damaged power and transmission wires and cables;

  • Be cognizant of fallen trees or severely damaged brush; and

  • Keep alert for wild animals, such as deer, that will be fleeing dangerous areas and crossing the roads.

More on Idalia As Hurricane Idalia bears down on Florida, what can Eastern Shore expect later in week?

For a complete listing of highway incidents on state roads in real-time, click here. Motorists in need of roadside assistance on a state highway numbered routes may dial #77 on their mobile devices.

Virginia issues state of emergency

On Friday, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency in advance of Tropical Storm Ophelia, which is expected to have impacts on Virginia beginning Friday.

This is an unusual storm, which has been difficult to accurately forecast, approaching large population centers with many at-risk communities, the governor's office said. Accordingly, the pre-positioning of response assets and supplies will be necessary to assist our local and state partners.

The Virginia Emergency Support Team will activate for this incident.

List of closures

The following are the latest closures:

  • The Beach Clean Up events scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 23, are canceled due to predicted storm conditions. The event is canceled in both the Maryland and the Virginia districts as well as Assateague State Park.

More on weather patterns What El Niño and La Niña ocean patterns mean for hurricane season and tornadoes

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Tropical storm: Eastern Shore braces for impact