Ocean City officials are urging caution as Hurricane Erin churns offshore, driving strong rip currents and periods of heavy wind along Maryland’s Atlantic coast.

Although the resort town is not in the storm’s direct path, the impacts are already being felt and are expected to intensify with coastal flooding Thursday evening into the night, particularly in low-lying neighborhoods and the downtown area.

The Ocean City Beach Patrol announced the ocean is closed today, warning conditions are “extremely deadly.”

The agency said the tide is going out until 12:30 p.m., with ocean water already reaching the boardwalk and dunes; when the tide turns, even more water is expected on the beach.

Officials cautioned that even walking on the beach can be dangerous. No swimming, wading, or surfing is p

See Full Page