Ocean City mayor warns to brace for impact of Nor’easter similar to Superstorm Sandy

As a powerful Nor’Easter moves up the Atlantic and into the Mid-Atlantic, Ocean City Mayor Richard Meehan shares what the town is doing to prepare in an Oct. 11 news release

Ocean City Mayor Richard Meehan’s message to the city ahead of the storm

Ocean City Mayor Meehan was joined by OC Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald for the October 11 update, which you can watch below.

More about what Ocean City is doing to prepare for Nor’easter

Along with the video update, Ocean City also provided a written statement about what it is doing to prepare and what residents should do, too. Here are the important quotes:

The town of Ocean City is closely monitoring a powerful coastal storm approaching the mid-Atlantic. The National Weather Service is predicting heavy rain, high winds and moderate coastal flooding starting tonight (Saturday) and continuing through Monday, October 13.

“We want our residents, visitors and business owners to take this storm seriously and start preparing now,” Mayor Meehan said.

DETAILED FORECAST: Nor’easter to hit Maryland Lower Shore with flooding, high winds and more

The last blow expected from Nor’easter in Ocean City

Strong winds: Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph and gusts in excess of 50 knots.

Flood: Street flooding of 1 to 2 feet is expected in some areas.

Areas of concern: Includes downtown from Inlet to 15th Street; Isle of Wight Mobile Home Park; Warrens Park; Little Salisbury; and several northern bayside neighborhoods. The Route 50 bridge base may become impassable.

The town warned in its statement that these conditions could lead to road flooding and local power outages. Townspeople are urging caution, avoiding wading through standing water and prioritizing safety. The impacts of this storm are predicted to be similar to the impacts we saw during Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

MARYLAND, OC PREPARE FOR THE STORM: Ocean City, Maryland, is urging residents to prepare for the worst; Strong Nor’easter on the way

When should Ocean City feel the impact of the storm?

Late Saturday night: Heavy rains and strong winds begin.

From Sunday to Monday: The storm is intensified by multiple high tide cycles that are expected to worsen flooding in low-lying and bayside communities.

When high tides are expected:

• Sunday, October 12, around 13:00

• Monday, October 13, around 1 a.m.

• Monday, October 13, around 13:00

Ocean City puts emergency responders on high alert, offers shelter

The town’s Public Works, Police, Fire Department and Emergency Services are fully staffed and ready to respond 24/7 throughout the storm.

A temporary shelter opens at noon on Sunday, October 12 at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center (4001 Beach Road). Bring essential items like food, medicine, clothing, charger, and personal needs.

What do Ocean City residents need to do to prepare?

• Residents and visitors are encouraged to:

• Secure outdoor furniture and loose items.

• Charge phones and power banks.

• Prepare flashlights, batteries and necessary medications.

• If possible, park vehicles off roads and on high ground.

Where can you get the latest updates and alerts from Ocean City?

For the latest updates, sign up for the city’s e-news alerts at: oceancitymd.gov/enews. Also monitor the official website and the Town’s social media pages for timely information.

“Our crews and response teams are ready, but we need your help,” Mayor Meehan said. “Take this storm seriously, make smart choices, and look out for each other.”

This article was first published in the Salisbury Daily Times: OCMD gives Nor’easter update, warns of impacts like Superstorm Sandy