What should I do if a severe thunderstorm watch is issued?

Q: What should I do if a severe thunderstorm watch is issued?

If a severe thunderstorm watch is issued for the Ocean City area, severe storms are possible —move beach and open-water plans indoors when thunder is nearby and keep NWS Wakefield alerts on your phone. Lightning can strike the beach and inlet corridors minutes before heavy rain arrives at the Boardwalk. Do not wait on the sand hoping a cell will miss; have a concrete indoor backup ready. Use radar , today’s weather , and rainy day ideas . Beach Patrol and Town guidance override any vacation timeline.

If a severe thunderstorm watch is issued for the Ocean City area, severe storms are possible—move beach and open-water plans indoors when thunder is nearby and keep NWS Wakefield alerts on your phone.

Lightning can strike the beach and inlet corridors minutes before heavy rain arrives at the Boardwalk. Do not wait on the sand hoping a cell will miss; have a concrete indoor backup ready.

Use radar, today’s weather, and rainy day ideas. Beach Patrol and Town guidance override any vacation timeline.

Sources: National Weather Service · Town of Ocean City · Ocean City Beach Patrol

Editorial visitor guidance for Ocean City, Maryland. Confirm current Town of Ocean City, Maryland DNR, NPS Assateague, and NWS rules when regulations or safety apply.