Ocean City Braces For Rough Weather From Hurricane Florence

OCEAN CITY, Md. (WJZ) —  You can definitely feel the wind in your face on the sandy Ocean City shoreline as angry waves from the Atlantic lash against the beach.

While impacts from Hurricane Florence are expected to be minor, the coastal city still maintains its preparations.

Winds along Maryland's coast picked up overnight as the storm begins its assault on the Carolinas.

Beach patrol was on guard as officials warned citizens against going into the high surf.

"It's obviously a lot worse than yesterday since we're not allowed out in it," said one local.

"We can get out but we might not be able to come back in," another chimed in.

The community was not expecting a major impact from the hurricane, particularly after its track shifted southward.

It's not just on the Atlantic coastline either. The Coast Guard helped some people evacuate Smith Island along the Chesapeake Bay. The winds from Florence could raise water levels near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.

Low-lying homes could be susceptible to tidal flooding.

Another vulnerable community, Crisfield, Md, was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy six years ago and could see tidal flooding again as Florence's winds raise water-levels along the Bay.

Back in Ocean City, crews are securing items that could blow away but expect only slight flooding and a bit more wind from Florence.

Waves from rough waters already washed across the entire beach and as the sea gets rougher, officials will close the seawall gates, which protect the boardwalk.

Stay with WJZ for the latest on Hurricane Florence. Download our app for the latest information.

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• Hurricane Florence