As Hurricane Florence approaches the mid-Atlantic region the president of Somerset County Commissioners is recommending that Smith Island resident should leave the island.
The Salisbury Daily Times reports that who want to depart the U.S. Coast Guard is sending a vessel that will arrive at Tylerton dock at 12:30 p.m. today.
It will leave a 1:30 p.m.
In addition, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will be at Ewell at 12:30 p.m. to pick up those who want to leave.
If the storm is so great that the mainland needs to be evacuated residents will be notified through the CodeRed telephone system.
Chincoteague
The town of Chincoteague is gearing up for the storm telling visitors that they need to leave the area and return home.
WBOC reports that at this point the town’s Facebook page is only requiring non-residents to depart.
There are shelters including Arcadia High School.
Town officials say that residents should have a picture ID and come prepared for a three day stay.
Residents should also bring nonperishable food, bedding and hygienic items.
In addition, a change of clothes along with books and games is recommended.
Boats
In Ocean City the resort’s fishing center has begun removing boats from the water as requests come in from owners.
The Salisbury Daily Times reports that 35 of the 150 boats at the Ocean City Fishing Center have been taken out of the water.
The Marina has 86 slips.
At the Indian River Marina the boats that remain in their slips must be double lined and all loose items must be tied down.
Right now there are only around dozen boats that have been pulled out of the marina.
The facility has nearly 300 slips.
Another 164 boats are stored in dry dock.
All of this is just part of preparations that are being made at marinas in Maryland and Delaware as boat owners prepare for the big storm.
Delaware Coastline
Hurricane Florence is expected to hit Delaware with some strong winds and surf along the coastline.
The Wilmington News Journal reports that could produce serious coastal flooding, beach erosion and property damage.
Current projections appear to put the storm to the south of the First State with the Carolina’s getting the bulk of the wind and rain.
