Ocean City, Md. – Strong coastal winds are set to batter the Mid-Atlantic shoreline Thursday, with gusts up to 45 mph threatening power lines, trees, and travel conditions across Maryland, Virginia, and northeastern North Carolina.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, a wind advisory covers Ocean City and Worcester County, Md., from 10 a.m. Thursday through midnight. Farther south, advisories extend from Pasquotank and Camden Counties, N.C., through Hampton Roads, Va., including Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Hampton/Poquoson, from 4 a.m. until 10 p.m. Thursday.
Forecasters warn unsecured objects may be blown around, and scattered power outages are possible as tree limbs snap under the strain. Drivers of high-profile vehicles, especially on exposed bridges and highways, should expect difficult travel conditions, particularly along the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic-facing shorelines.
Utility crews across Hampton Roads are preparing for outages, while beach towns from Ocean City to the Outer Banks may see dangerous surf and blowing sand. Residents are urged to secure outdoor furniture, avoid unnecessary driving during peak wind periods, and keep cellphones and backup chargers ready in case of extended power loss.
Wind advisories are expected to remain in place through Thursday evening, with conditions improving overnight into Friday morning.
