Maryland’s Eastern Shore Braces for Hurricane Erin

Hurricane Erin, currently a Category 2 storm with sustained winds of 110 mph, is tracking north towards the U.S. East Coast, bringing significant weather hazards to the Delmarva Peninsula and Chesapeake Bay region. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) has activated its Emergency Operations Center to an enhanced level in response to the potential impacts, which are expected to be most severe from Wednesday night through Friday. Residents and businesses are advised to stay informed about the evolving storm conditions.

“A major nuisance for those with vacation plans and a worry for homes and businesses in flood prone areas but all in all nothing catastrophic,” said Jim Vaughn, President and CEO of NowCast Weather Radio Network. “The worst of the hurricane will be between just after midnight Thursday morning into early Friday afternoon. Wind gusts to 50 mph. Some rain but most of the heaviest of the precipitation will remain offshore. Models are showing a storm surge of one foot, still enough for the NWS to issue a Coastal Flood Warning. Hurricane Erin will be taking a hard right hand turn as it approaches the beaches between Virginia Beach and Cape May New Jersey. The only real danger from this storm will be the dangerous rip currents. Only a crazy person would venture out into that water between Thursday and Saturday.”

As of its latest advisory, Hurricane Erin was located approximately 365 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, and is moving north at about 13 mph. Forecasters anticipate a turn toward the north-northeast later today, accelerating its northeastward movement by Thursday and Friday. The storm is noted for its unusually large size, and it is expected to continue growing as it progresses. While fluctuations in its strength are possible, the primary concerns for Maryland focus on life-threatening rip currents, heavy surf, and coastal flooding.

Specific impacts are projected to include minor to moderate coastal flooding across the Chesapeake Bay, with a peak expected on Friday. The lower Chesapeake Bay could experience storm surge ranging from 1 to 3 feet. Eastern shore communities situated directly along the Atlantic coast may encounter wind gusts between 35 and 45 mph on Thursday. Tropical storm-force winds are currently extending up to 265 miles from the storm’s center, indicating a broad area of potential wind impacts.

A critical concern has been identified for Bishops Head in Dorchester County, Maryland, where major flood stages are anticipated to peak late Thursday and early Friday, specifically after midnight. In anticipation of these conditions, ocean access points in Ocean City and Assateague Island have been closed as of August 19th, though beach access is expected to remain open.

The MDEM’s activation to an “Enhanced” level signifies that the incident requires additional monitoring and resources, with core Emergency Operation Center staff supplemented by selected agencies, functions, and organizations. This level of preparedness ensures a coordinated state-level response to monitor the storm’s progression and manage its effects.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Maryland Department of Emergency Management

Article updated 8/20/2025 with a quote from Jim Vaughn of NowCast Weather Radio Network.

---