DELMARVA - Neighbors across Delmarva awoke Saturday morning to the wet and windy approach of Tropical Storm Ophelia.
The Tropical Storm made landfall in North Carolina around 6:15 a.m. this morning, but our area was already seeing the powerful effects of the storm’s upper reaches.
WBOC’s Storm Team Coverage was live this morning in both Rehoboth Beach and Ocean City as the coastal towns bore the brunt of Ophelia.
WBOC Chief Meteorologist Dan Satterfield started the day in Rehoboth Beach overlooking the angry waters of the Atlantic from the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel. Sustained winds of about 30 mph lashed the beaches there, gusting upwards to 45 mph. The waves towered to heights in the midteens before crashing to shore.
In Ocean City, WBOC’s Kirstyn Clark discovered flooding throughout the resort’s streets, especially near the inlet. Drivers near Philadelphia and Wicomico Ave were faced with hazardous streets as they navigated the waters on the roadways. Drivers are encouraged to avoid standing water on the roads.
Meanwhile, numerous power outages were reported throughout the morning from Sussex County, Delaware to Accomack County, Virginia, leaving over 2,000 neighbors without electricity at one point this morning.
Inland, The Indian River Volunteer Fire Company reported at least one tree down near the intersection of John J Williams Highway and Legion Road. The tree fell into the cable utility wiring, creating an electrical hazard, according to the Fire Company.
Flood levels in the Indian River at Rosedale Beach were considered minor at 4.5 ft. around 8 a.m., according to the National Weather Service. Current projections, however, say the potential flood levels could rise to moderate in numerous coastal rivers this evening. The waters of the Chesapeake Bay at Bishops Head in Dorchester County are currently projected by the National Weather Service to reach major flooding levels later today.
Tropical storm conditions are expected to continue throughout the day, with some areas potentially seeing thunderstorms. WBOC will continue to monitor and report on Ophelia’s progress and impacts as the storm moves northward. Viewers can continue to check our website, app, and social media pages for the latest updates and safety tips.
A list of event cancellations and delays can be found here, and a list of closures is available here.