Nor' Easters - are low pressure centers that develop and track northeast along our coastline. This is a traditional weather pattern during the winter months.

Problem ? - As these Low pressure centers pass by, northeast wind is experienced in Ocean City. The prolonged easterly flow of wind will pile water up in the Assawoman Bay. The slower the forward speed, the longer we experience that easterly flow of wind. This combined with the intensity can cause significant flooding problems for the Ocean City area, as in the March Storm of 1962.

Tropical Storm/Hurricanes - are powerful low pressure centers that are born in the tropic's. These storms can cause massive destruction to coastal areas. The official Hurricane Season (as if weather listens to dates) runs from June 1st thru November 30th. Typically most Hurricanes effect our area in the later part of August, September, tapering off in October.

Problem ? The problem is somewhat obvious in that these storms can cause massive destruction to coastal areas. Our first priority is LIFE SAFETY. Ocean City remains ready to ask the residents and visitors of Ocean City to evacuate if necessary.

During the summer months in order to effectively evacuate Ocean City you may be asked to leave before a Hurricane Watch is issued when weather conditions are warm and sunny. *PLEASE OBEY ALL RECOMMENDATIONS WHEN THEY ARE GIVEN !*

OCEAN CITY EVACUATION PHASES

If the Mayor of Ocean City decides it necessary to evacuate Ocean City the following phases will be used to assist in graduating the traffic exiting the beach:

Phase # 1

• Anyone traveling to Ocean City is asked to delay their visit until the situation improves.
• Mobile Home Residents and Residents of known flood prone areas should prepare secure your homes and prepare to evacuate.
• Secure or move all watercraft
• All persons are asked to tune into their Government Access Channel for further detailed information or advisories.

Phase # 2

• All non-resident property owners, vacationers, and vistors are asked to evacuate.
• All mobile home and low lying area residents are asked to evacuate.
• The Mayor closes the beach.
• City buses will be used for transportation to shelters.
• The Route 50 Draw Bridge will be closed to boat traffic.
• All persons are asked to tune into their Government Access Channel for further detailed information or advisories.

Phase # 3

• The Mayor declares a local State of Emergency
• The sale of alcohol is banned and all businesses are asked to close immediately in Ocean City.
• Everyone other than emergency personnel are asked to evacuate.
• Incoming traffic is limited to emergency personnel.
• The municipal bus service is providing pick up service on Coastal Highway for evacuation shelters.
• All persons are asked to tune into their Government Access Channel for further detailed information or advisories.

Phase # 4

• The Mayor requests a complete evacuation of Ocean City as quickly as possible.
• All public services and public transportation will be shut down, and all incoming routes to Ocean City will be closed.
• Remaining city personnel are ordered to seek shelter immediately and button down.
• All persons are asked to tune into their Government Access Channel for further detailed information or advisories.

OCEAN CITY EVACUATION ROUTES

• From 62nd Street area South: South on Coastal Highway over the U.S. Route 50 Bridge.
• From the Delaware Line South: South on Coastal Highway over the Md. Route 90 Bridge.
• From South of North Division Street: North on Baltimore avenue, Left on 1st. Street South on Philadelphia avenue, over the U.S. Route 50 Bridge.
• From 2nd Street to 33rd Street area: One block West, South on Philadelphia Ave, over the U.S. Route 50 Bridge.