Effects of Hurricane Sandy in Maryland

In October, Maryland experienced significant impacts from Hurricane Sandy. The approach of the storm could be felt by Friday, October 26.

On October 27, the U.S. Geological Survey released a statement concerning potential for beach and dune erosion. According to the agency, roughly 75 % of the coast along the Delmarva Peninsula was likely to experience beach and dune erosion from Hurricane Sandy. Overwashing was expected along nearly half of the shoreline.

The predictions of coastal change for the Delaware, Maryland and Virginia peninsula is part of a larger assessment of probable coastal change released by the U.S. Geological Survey.

By Sunday, much of Maryland was experiencing rainfall from the storm system.

On the morning of Monday October 29, winds shifted to the North and rainfall increased. It was during this period that early damage reports began to appear. One of the first casualties was the OC Pier in Ocean City, which suffered extensive damage from the storm surge. By mid-day, winds shifted to the West and increased noticably. Heavy rainfall caused minor flooding in some areas.

Several closures impacted the state, including:

 - Maryland Park Service closed all State Park campgrounds and day-use areas in advance of Hurricane Sandy.

 - The campground at Assateague State Park closed Saturday evening, October 27 and eas expected to remain closed until the morning of Wednesday, October 31.

 - The Assateague State Park day-use facility and the road onto the island (Route 611 prior to the Verrazano Bridge) closed to all visitors and traffic at 12:00 noon on Sunday, October 28.

 - Maryland Forestry Service closed Elk Neck State Forest.

Greenbrier Lake Maintenance

Beginning in October, Greenbrier State Park staff will draw down about six feet of water from the park’s 42-acre lake to allow for maintenance work. The improvements include repairing the lake’s popular boat ramp and removing accumulated sediment for better boating access. 

While maintenance work is underway, an improvised launch area will be available for small boats. Park personnel expect the project to be completed in early February 2013. If all goes well, the lake should be refilled well before the 2013 spring trout season begins.

Source: MD DNR