Ocean City officials were doing a damage assessment Monday after the weekend’s nor’easter that lashed the coast, flooding city streets and leading to cancellation of a weekend music festival, (Photo by Alexander Farnsworth/iStock Getty Images)
By Grace Newton
Videos posted to social media from Ocean City over the weekend showed storm surge flooding beaches and high water on streets from a nor’easter that also forced the cancellation of the Ocean’s Calling music festival.
“They made the right call on this one. There’s no way this could have taken place,’” Ocean City Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald told WTOP. “This was a powerful storm. So, we’re going to get things back to normal as quickly as we possibly can.”
On Monday, crews begin inspecting the 10 miles of Ocean City beach for storm damage including erosion. They will also check whether dunes need to be refortified, an effort that Theobald said is aided by the town’s agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers to perform periodic beach replenishment.
“It’s in all hands, whether it be state, federal and local government, that make sure that beaches are replenished and things are restored,” Theobald said.
As the nor’easter moves out, the coastal weather forecast looks clearer heading into this weekend, when Oceans Calling’s sister festival, Country Calling, is set to take place in Ocean City.
There are no active travel advisories or coastal flood alerts in effect. The last coastal flood advisory expired early, and no hazardous weather or flooding risks are expected for Monday.
While there are no coastal flood warnings, surf conditions may still be rough from the departing storm. Beachgoers are recommended to check Ocean City Beach Patrol’s website for local flag warning before approaching the water.
Theobald encourages everyone to enjoy the beaches through the fall months, while keeping in mind that the city’s Beach Patrol’s season ended Sunday.
“September, October are some of the best months here, and lifeguards go off duty,” Theobald said. “Just enjoy yourselves and use common sense when you come to Ocean City.”
– As part of Maryland Matters’ content sharing agreement with WTOP, we feature this article from Grace Newton. Click here for the WTOP News website.
