A powerful nor’easter is churning up the East Coast, bringing 50 mph winds, heavy rain and coastal flooding that could rival Superstorm Sandy’s impact on parts of Maryland’s shoreline.

Gov. Wes Moore urged residents to “stay vigilant” as the storm threatens to flood coastal towns such as Ocean City, where officials warned of damage reminiscent of Sandy’s 2012 destruction.

Inland areas, including Baltimore, are expected to see gusty winds and steady rain throughout the holiday weekend.

Here’s what you need to know.

Coastal areas face biggest threats

Baltimore is expected to experience winds up to 30 mph starting Sunday morning and into the evening, said Cody Ledbetter, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in the Baltimore-Washington office. The city will likely get half an inch to an inch of rain, he said.

Maryland’s coastal areas, including Ocean City, and cities along the Chesapeake Bay, including Annapolis, will see more extreme impacts, including 2-3 inches of rain and up to 50 mph winds.

Minor flooding may occur along the coast, and possibly moderate flooding in the Annapolis area, Ledbetter said.

Richard Meehan, the mayor of Ocean City, issued a strong warning to residents and business owners Saturday afternoon to “take this storm seriously.”

The city said residents should except 1-2 feet of street flooding and possible power outages from the storm’s heavy rain, strong winds and high tides.

Areas of concern include downtown from the 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 impassible.

A temporary shelter will open at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, at noon Sunday. People seeking shelter are urged to bring food, medications, clothing, chargers and personal necessities.

Ocean City officials warned that the storm may have similar impacts to Superstorm Sandy, which struck in October 2012 and was one of the most destructive storms in U.S. history. It battered the East Coast with record storm surges, flooding and winds that caused billions of dollars in damage.

In Ocean City, the storm destroyed piers, flooded businesses and damaged homes. The storm surge lifted boats to the shore and scattered debris around the city.

Storms are expected to start Saturday night in Ocean City and continue into Monday afternoon.

Gale warnings, for high winds, will be issued Sunday into Monday on the bay. High surf is also expected on the coast, said Ledbetter, who added he “wouldn’t advise” a beach trip Sunday.

Melissa Kapper, who works at Herrington Harbour South in North Beach, said the office sent out a warning about the weather to its 600 boat slip holders, many of whom don’t live in the area. Slip holders who live locally have come by the marina on Saturday to make sure their boats are secure.

Herrington Harbour South is on Herring Bay, which is usually calm because it sits just north of the Chesapeake Bay. But on Saturday afternoon, Kapper said, she was seeing whitecaps in the water.

Overall, the storm should lower temperatures over the weekend, with the highest temperatures in the 60s, dipping to the low 50s and high 40s.

The worst of the storm is expected to hit Maryland on Sunday morning into the evening, but winds could pick up Saturday night, along with some rain.

Outdoor events over long weekend may be impacted

Ravens fans going to the game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday should prepare for rainfall and cool and windy weather for the 1 p.m. kickoff at M&T Bank Stadium.

The Howard County Pride Festival has been rescheduled from Sunday to Oct. 26 because of Moore’s request that Marylanders take precautions in anticipation of the storm.

Outdoor events organized by Baltimore BLAQ Pride for this weekend were also postponed, including the National Coming Out Day Rally & Celebration on Saturday and Kickball Field Day & Cookout on Sunday. The kickball game was rescheduled to Oct. 19.

Other events, such as the Fell’s Point Fun Festival and the Maryland Renaissance Festival, will go on.

The Maryland Renaissance Festival, in Annapolis, said in a Facebook comment, “Right now National Weather Service predicts less than a tenth of an inch today and a tenth and a half over 16 hours tomorrow. Like England on a good day!” The festival was sold out this weekend.

How to protect yourself on the roads and at home

Drivers should be ready for restrictions and traffic holds on Maryland roads and bridges Sunday into Monday, according to the Maryland Transit Authority.

In a press release, the MDTA said it may hold traffic at a toll facility, depending on the weather conditions. It will monitor high sustained winds for potential restrictions on bridges on Sunday and Monday.

Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. said its emergency team was ready to respond in case of power outages. If there are downed power lines, it’s best not to approach or touch the lines.

If you see downed lines or experience an outage, you can report it to BGE online, by calling 877-778-2222 or by texting 69243. You can sign up for alerts from the company online.

This article has been updated.