Subject: Worcester County

Mandatory Evacuations Declared in Worcester County

SNOW HILL, Md.- The Worcester County Commissioners have declared a local state of emergency and have ordered waterfront property owners to evacuate due to imminent threats from Hurricane Sandy. This includes all properties in the West Ocean City area, the communities of Cape Isle of Wight, Mystic Harbour, Snug Harbor, The Landings and Assateague Point. Also included in this are South Point, anything east of the parkway in Ocean Pines and all other waterfront properties throughout Worcester County due to anticipated flooding.

Current forecasts call for between 8 and 10 inches of rain with prolonged, strong winds between 40 to 45 miles per hour sustained and gusts of 60 mph, increasing the likelihood of structural damages, downed trees and power outages that are anticipated to continue for extended periods of several days or more.

County shelters will open at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28. These shelters include Stephen Decatur High School, Snow Hill High School and Pocomoke High School, and the pet-friendly shelters Stephen Decatur Middle School, Animal Control in Snow Hill and Pocomoke High School. Pet owners must provide their own carriers and food.

People with special needs requiring shelter or assistance should contact the Worcester County Health Department at (410) 632-1100 and then press 8.

Worcester County Emergency Services warns residents that the county will experience historic flooding, including water in homes, along with significant rainfall and prolonged strong winds regardless of where Hurricane Sandy makes landfall.