OCEAN CITY, Md.- Ocean City suffered severe beach erosion and lost some of its dunes in the remnants of Tropical Storm Ida.
Ocean City public relations Donna Abbott said that so far no injuries have been reported and property damage as a result of the storm has been relatively minor. She said the most significant impact from the storm has been severe beach erosion, however, the ocean did not breach the dunes.
Town officials say the town lost between a quarter and half of its dune system. Emergency officials say the Army Corps of Engineers will evaluate beach damage Saturday morning.
Mayor Rick Meehan said the town will work to address the erosion. He said the town is slated for a 4-year beach replenishment, but will need more work done to the beaches than had been planned.
Ocean City remains under a coastal flood warning, high wind warning and high surf advisory. Moderate to severe flooding may occur, therefore emergency management officials advise citizens to not attempt to drive through standing water on roadways.
During times of high tide, traffic may be directed from Philadelphia Avenue to Baltimore Avenue to access the Rt. 50 Bridge from 12th Street to North Division Street until flood waters recede. Inclement weather conditions are expected to remain through Friday, with rapid improvement over the weekend. High tides at the Ocean City inlet will occur at 4:35 p.m. Friday and 5:07 a.m. Saturday.
