Dear Friends,
It now appears that post-tropical storm Hermine will pass by without causing any significant damage to Ocean City. Forecasters across the board had predicted potentially record flooding, so we should all consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have escaped the full brunt of this storm.
A coastal flood advisory does remain in effect through Tuesday morning, and some street flooding still could occur during high tides at 11:40 p.m. Monday (Sept. 5) and 12:12 p.m. Tuesday (Sept. 6). Please monitor conditions closely and be prepared to move vehicles from streets that typically experience flooding. The ocean also remains dangerous with rough surf and strong currents. The Ocean City Beach Patrol has closed the ocean to swimming during the storm.
Many residents and guests took precautions that may now seem unnecessary. I’d like to thank everybody for erring on the side of caution. We don’t have to think back too far, of course, to remember the power of nature and the impact of a tropical storm. If Hermine had taken a different track and holiday weekend crowds in Ocean City had remained unaware, the results could have been devastating.
Like many other seasonal business owners in town, I hate to lose business during the short summer season. But the safety and welfare of our residents and guests will always be my top priority. I’d like to thank all of the city team members who worked through the weekend to make sure plans and contingencies were in place. I’d like to thank the Ocean City Beach Patrol for finishing the traditional summer season under the most challenging conditions of the summer (see list of beaches guarded from Sept. 5 to 18). I’d especially like to thank the trustees and congregation of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Marmora for graciously allowing Ocean City residents to park cars at the church during the storm. And again, I’d like to thank everybody who took precautions over the weekend. We should never get caught underestimating the potential power of a coastal storm.
We’re heading into September and much better weather lies ahead. Ocean City has a full schedule of special events planned for the month. I hope to see you all this fall.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian
Mayor
