A powerful nor’easter brought heavy winds and a strong storm surge to Ocean City and other parts of Maryland’s Eastern Shore on Sunday, downing tree limbs and flooding roads but falling short of the potentially devastating impacts that were forecast.
By afternoon, officials had backed off comparisons to Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Although sustained winds weren’t as strong as predicted, gusts approached 50 mph and the storm surge caused flooding, particularly at high tide.
The popular vacation town and surrounding portions of the Eastern Shore remain under a wind advisory and coastal flood warning through Monday morning. The National Weather Service also issued a high surf advisory, which will stay in place until 6 p.m. Monday.
“Water will be around 2 feet above ground level in some areas resulting in a sufficient depth to close roads and threaten homes and businesses,” weather service meteorologists warned. “Erosion and damage to dune structures is expected. Actions should be taken to protect property along the immediate shoreline.”
Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan, who had previously compared the nor’easter to Superstorm Sandy, said in a statement Sunday afternoon that officials continue to monitor the weather ahead of the next high tide, which is expected around 3 a.m.
“While wind conditions have improved slightly, we are expecting moderate flooding during the high-tide cycles,” Meehan said.
The storm felled trees across two roads, while its surge inundated parts of at least three streets. There were no power outages around Ocean City as of 4 p.m., according to a map by the area’s utility, Delmarva Power.
Ocean City Beach Bus service was limited because of the storm. The town planned to close a temporary shelter at 6 p.m.
The ominous forecast for the Eastern Shore is attributable to a nor’easter, which is a storm that occurs along the East Coast, usually moving northeast and becoming more intense as it moves along the coast.
The storms, which happen more frequently from September to April, often cause rough seas and flooding.
The Baltimore region remained largely dry during a breezy afternoon.
Weather service meteorologists said there was a 30% chance of rain overnight Sunday, with wind gusting up to 31 mph.
Showers are likely Monday, with temperatures expected to climb to 62 degrees from an overnight low of 57. Forecasters predicted up to half an inch of rain.
The expected low Monday night is 56 degrees and there is a 50% chance of rain, according to the weather service.
Forecasters say foggy and overcast skies will give way to some sunshine Tuesday, with temperatures expected to rise to 72 degrees.
This article has been updated.
CBS Baltimore’s Steven Sosna and Rachael Jay contributed to this article. Read the original report.
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