Tropical Storm Hermine: Storm Warning For Coastal, Southern Maryland

OCEAN CITY, MD — As Tropical Storm Hermine moves into the Carolinas and eventually back out into the Atlantic, Maryland's coastal communities are preparing for impacts. The storm is expected to slow dramatically off the Mid-Atlantic coast for several days, according to forecasters.

A tropical storm warning has been issued for Ocean City and other communities in southern Maryland.

At 2 p.m. Friday, Tropical Storm Hermine was 30 miles north of Savannah. The storm had sustained winds at 50 mph and was traveling northeast at 18 mph.

The current forecast has the storm running the coast of the Carolinas before heading back out into the Atlantic on Saturday morning. Once there, the storm appears ready to slow dramatically of the coast, potential through mid-week.

The National Weather Service forecast expects peak winds in Ocean City at 40-50 mph, with wind gusts up to 65 mph. The window for tropical storm force winds will run from Saturday morning until Tuesday morning.

Residents and visitors to the shore are encouraged to seek safe shelter in advance of dangerous winds.

Damage is possible to some roofs and siding, porches, awnings, carports and sheds, according to the weather service alert. Mobile homes will be hazardous if not anchored down, and unsecured objects may become dangerous projectiles.

Large trees may be snapped or uprooted and some roads will be impassable due to large debris. Power outages will be scattered to widespread, according to the weather service.

A storm surge of up to 1 foot above ground is possible, beginning Saturday evening. Roads and parking lots near the shore may become overspread with surge water and driving conditions will be dangerous in areas where storm surge waters cover the roadway.