High-Tides and Storm Surge May Flood Low-Lying Areas on the Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland

 

(Sept. 5, 2019) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is preparing for potential flooding along areas of Maryland’s Eastern Shore from remnants of Hurricane Dorian. High tides and storm surge, along with tropical storm force winds are likely to impact some areas of the Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland. The impacts could start early Friday morning, depending on the track of the storm.

MDOT SHA crews are proactively inspecting and, if necessary, clearing drainage inlets, storm drains and drainage ditches. Additionally, crews are ensuring that generators are operational and fully fuels and that road closed signs, chain saws and wood chippers are topped off and ready for rapid deployment.

Some tips to keep in mind during heavy rain storms:

 

• “Turn Around-Don’t Drown” - it only takes a few inches of water to cause a vehicle to move;

• Plan for extra travel time as some roads may flood and be temporarily closed;

• Never attempt to remove a fallen tree from the roadway, especially if there are electrical wires tangled in the branches;

• Should an intersection loose power and traffic signals become non-operational, treat all approaches of the intersection as a two or four-way stop;

• Be aware of flood prone areas and avoid those routes;

• Please don’t litter. Trash clogs storm drain systems and impacts highway drainage;

• Remember State law requires the use of headlights when windshield wipers are being used; and

• Get the latest real-time traffic information at md511.maryland.gov.