We are currently in "don’t panic, but prepare mode" until area officials determine as best they can, what hurricane Irene will do to our coastal region.  Below are Ocean City, MD’s Phases of Evacuation, explained. 

OCEAN CITY EVACUATION PHASES

Phase # 1

Anyone traveling to Ocean City is asked to delay their visit until the situation improves.

Mobile Home Residents and Residents of known flood prone areas should prepare secure your homes and prepare to evacuate.

Secure or move all watercraft

All persons are asked to tune into their Government Access Channel for further detailed information or advisories.

This also includes the evacuation of all international students

Phase # 2

All non-resident property owners, vacationers, and visitors are asked to evacuate.

All mobile home and low lying area residents are asked to evacuate.

The Mayor closes the beach.

City buses will be used for transportation to shelters.

The Route 50 Draw Bridge will be closed to boat traffic.

All persons are asked to tune into their Government Access Channel for further detailed information or advisories.

Phase # 3 Current Phase

The Mayor declares a local State of Emergency

The sale of alcohol is banned and all businesses are asked to close immediately in Ocean City.

Everyone other than emergency personnel are asked to evacuate.

Incoming traffic is limited to emergency personnel.

The municipal bus service is providing pick up service on Coastal Highway for evacuation shelters.

All persons are asked to tune into their Government Access Channel for further detailed information or advisories.

Phase # 4

The Mayor requests a complete evacuation of Ocean City as quickly as possible.

All public services and public transportation will be shut down, and all incoming routes to Ocean City will be closed.

Remaining city personnel are ordered to seek shelter immediately and button down.

All persons are asked to tune into their Government Access Channel for further detailed information or advisories.

OCEAN CITY EVACUATION ROUTES

From 62nd Street area South: South on Coastal Highway over the U.S. Route 50 Bridge.

From the Delaware Line South: South on Coastal Highway over the Md. Route 90 Bridge.

From South of North Division Street: North on Baltimore avenue, Left on 1st. Street South on Philadelphia avenue, over the U.S. Route 50 Bridge.

From 2nd Street to 33rd Street area: One block West, South on Philadelphia Ave, over the U.S. Route 50 Bridge.

HURRICANE CATEGORIES

Category 1 Winds: 74-95 mph Storm Surge: 4-5 '
Category 2 Winds: 96-110 mph Storm Surge: 6-8 '
Category 3 Winds: 111-130 mph Storm Surge: 9-12 '
Category 4 Winds: 131-155 mph Storm Surge: 13-18 '
Category 5 Winds: 156 + Storm Surge: 18' +