Mandatory Evacuations Declared In Worcester County

The Worcester County Commissioners have declared a local state of emergency and have ordered waterfront property owners to evacuate due to imminent threats from Hurricane Sandy. This includes all properties in the West Ocean City area, the communities of Cape Isle of Wight, Mystic Harbour, Snug Harbor, The Landings and Assateague Point. Also included in this are South Point, anything east of the parkway in Ocean Pines and all other waterfront properties throughout Worcester County due to anticipated flooding.

Current forecasts call for 8” to 10” of rain with prolonged, strong winds between 40 to 45 miles per hour (mph) sustained and gusts of 60 mph, increasing the likelihood of structural damages, downed trees and power outages that are anticipated to continue for extended periods of several days or more.

County shelters will open at 1:00 p.m. today, October 28, 2012. These shelters include Stephen Decatur High School, Snow Hill High School and Pocomoke High School, and the pet friendly shelters Stephen Decatur Middle School, Animal Control in Snow Hill and Pocomoke High School. Pet owners must provide their own carriers and food.

People with special needs requiring shelter or assistance should contact the Worcester County Health Department at 410-632-1100 and then press 8.

Worcester County Emergency Services warns residents that the county will experience historic flooding, including water in homes, along with significant rainfall and prolonged strong winds regardless of where Hurricane Sandy makes landfall.

Current predictions are that the first of the storm’s rain bands will reach our area Sunday afternoon with rain expected to continue through Monday and Tuesday.

Worcester County officials continue to monitor the progress of Hurricane Sandy and will provide emergency updates as necessary. 

Special needs shelter information

Snow Hill, MD. -- People who have special health needs such as oxygen greater than two liters per minute or the need for ongoing medical monitoring may be eligible for a medically fragile shelter. To find out more call the Worcester County Health Department at 410-632-1100 option 8.

People evacuating to community shelters are reminded to bring their prescribed medication with them. All medication must be administered by the individual or his or her caregiver.