Here's how Hurricane Erin could impact Maryland
As of Wednesday, several Maryland beaches have prohibited water access due to dangerous conditions, and some state agencies are preparing for possible flooding and debris.
Erin is currently a Category 2 storm as of Wednesday afternoon with maximum sustained winds of 111 mph. It is expected to maintain its strength into the weekend.
On Wednesday, Maryland experienced gloomy, wet weather as a cold front brought showers to the region. These showers are not from Erin, and the cold front is keeping Erin offshore, according to WJZ's First Alert Weather Team.
Additional thunderstorms are expected on Wednesday evening, before the front moves on, leaving cooler, breezy conditions on Thursday.
Maryland will feel most of the impacts from Hurricane Erin on Thursday as the storm passes offshore.
The hurricane is nearly 7 miles across, and it will send gusty winds to the region. Gusts along the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland beaches could reach 30 to 35 mph, prompting a wind advisory for the coastline.
Dry conditions and sunshine will return on Friday as the wind dies down.
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) said Tuesday that it was preparing for potential flooding on roadways near the Eastern Shore and southern parts of the state.
MDOT SHA crews have cleared drainage inlets of debris buildup, checked to make sure generators are working, prepared high water signs and ensured chainsaws and chippers are ready to be deployed if needed.
Officials are reminding drivers to "Turn Around, Don't Drown" during flooding events. The agency also offered the following recommendations:
Find real-time traffic updates here.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the beaches at Assateague Island and Ocean City, Maryland, were closed to swimmers due to the dangerous rip current and high surf.
According to the First Alert Weather Team, Erin is expected to bring massive waves with 9 - 14 inch swells to the beaches in Maryland and Delaware.
The storm is also causing 30- to 50-foot waves offshore, along with high tides and beach erosion, which will continue into the weekend. The highest tides are expected on Thursday evening.
A High Surf Advisory is in effect in Ocean City, and public access to the water is prohibited. Ocean City Beach Patrol said lifeguards will remain on duty to remind visitors not to enter the water. Officials have not yet indicated when the beach will reopen.
The National Park Service closed several parts of the beach on Assateague Island, which includes parts of Maryland and Virginia.
As of Wednesday, all Oceanside Beaches are closed, the parking lots at Chinconteague Beach are partially closed, and more closures are possible as Erin continues to cause high wind speeds and tidal surges, NPS said.
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