Winds Whipping Up In Ocean City, Maryland Ahead Of Isaias' Arrival
OCEAN CITY, Md. (WJZ) -- Ominous skies were overhead as beachgoers in Ocean City, Maryland, enjoyed the last bit of sun ahead of Hurricane Isaias Monday.
The system strengthened into a hurricane Monday evening ahead of its landfall along the Carolina coast.
The boardwalk was quiet Monday morning as residents prepared for Isaias. Still, a number of tourists, including Remi Rose and her family, didn't let the looming storm ruin their trip to the beach.
Rose's trip on Monday was her first.
"We're a little disappointed that we're going to have a little bit of rain while we're at the beach, you want beautiful sunny skies every day but we're hoping it's going to blow through and we'll be here for the whole week," one of Rose's family members said.
The impending storm didn't slow down the sweet Remi Rose... she's enjoying her first trip to the beach in Ocean City, Maryland from the Baltimore area #Isaias @wjz pic.twitter.com/ALDjobuR8z
— Mike Hellgren (@HellgrenWJZ) August 3, 2020
Many in Ocean City enjoyed the last few hours of sun ☀️ before the storm #Isaias @wjz pic.twitter.com/F0lnhzxjB2
— Mike Hellgren (@HellgrenWJZ) August 3, 2020
A tropical storm warning was issued for Worcester County ahead of the storm's arrival.
TRACKING ISAIAS:
- TIMELINE: When Will Isaias Reach Maryland?
- Tropical Storm Warnings In Effect For Parts Of Maryland As Tropical Storm Isaias Lashes Florida Coast
Ocean City Emergency Services officials are monitoring the storm's arrival. Town employees worked to complete pre-storm action items, including closing the seawall and removing items from the beach.
Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald expects the storm to move through quickly, adding by the end of the day he expects to see the sun.
"Whatever we're going to get is going to be very quick," he said. "(Tuesday) will be a tough day in town. The visitors that come here, it's not going to be a beach day."
Ocean City, Maryland's Emergency Services Director says tomorrow won't be a beach day but expects #Isaias to move away fast from Maryland's coastline; warns of rip currents after storm. @wjz pic.twitter.com/qYH1wGieon
— Mike Hellgren (@HellgrenWJZ) August 3, 2020
Residents are encouraged to begin securing outdoor furniture, grills and waters vessels and prepare for power outages.
Ocean City is expected to see less rain than other parts of Maryland, including Baltimore, but winds are expected to be stronger. Gusts could reach up to 60 miles per hour.
Mayor Rick Meehan urged residents and visitors alike to use common sense.
"Be safe, be smart, just kind of let this thing take its course because it's going to be very quick-moving and be out of here very shortly," he said.
The latest emergency information from Ocean City, Maryland can be found here.
Stay up-to-date with the latest forecast by downloading the WJZ weather app.