Dorchester Co. EMA Discusses Flooding Potential and Hazards

(CAMBRIDGE, Md) – The Eastern Shore is dealing with the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal. And in Dorchester County, it could turn just getting around town into a dangerous situation.

Emergency Management Director, James Windsor says the remnants of Chantal are pouring over Dorchester County, and in the bay side community of Cambridge, that can create multiple problems.

James tells us, “The biggest things to watch out for are sudden accumulations of water, flash flooding, things like that. The entire county is under a flood warning. But our biggest issue is going to be the rain.”

The potential for flash flooding in the area also means simply getting around town can be dangerous.

Many roadways are flooded, and can fill up quickly.

“…people misjudge the water depth and the force that water truly carries because 12 inches of water rushing over a solid surface will take your car away…” says Dorchester County Manager, Jerry Jones.

Windsor tells us they expect the tides to play a small role in the flooding as more rain comes throughout the week.

And that means being safe on the roads needs to come first.

He says, “Don’t just creep along in the travel lanes, because if you can’t see and you’re creeping along, people can’t see you as they’re coming up on you. So you can create an issue traffic-wise.”

But most importantly: don’t take unnecessary risks.

“The biggest message really is to if you run up on a standing piece of water across a roadway, turn around and find another route because that’s the safest way you can protect your vehicle. You can protect your own life…” says Jones.

County Emergency Management officials are expecting at least three inches of rainfall Monday alone.