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CAMBRIDGE - Concern over what is shaping up to be a major storm Friday caused officials to to declare a state of emergency in Dorchester County on Thursday afternoon. Friday classes in public schools. were canceled in an announcement made around 5 p.m.
Local and state officials compared Friday's forecast of high water to the effects of 2003's Hurricane Isabel, which inundated much of the county, and damaged or ruined more than 600 homes.
The full text of Superintendent W. David Bromwell's statement follows:
"Important message for DCPS staff and families
Due to the warning issued by the National Weather Service this afternoon (Thursday 10/28) and through communication with Dorchester County Emergency Management, it has been determined that a severe weather event similar to Hurricane Isabel (2003) is highly probable beginning this evening. Significant flooding in low lying areas of Dorchester County is expected to last for multiple days.
"Due to this high probability, Dorchester County Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Friday, October 29, 2021. School-based instructional and Central Office employees will not be expected to report. This decision was made in collaboration with the National Weather Service, Maryland Emergency Management Agency, Dorchester Emergency Management, and the Dorchester County Council.
"Maintenance, Food Service, Operations, and other essential personnel will report as directed by their immediate supervisor or school administrator.
Cambridge-South Dorchester High School will be operating as the Dorchester County emergency shelter beginning at 6:00 pm tonight through the duration of the weather event."
A statement from the Hurlock town government said, "Coastal flooding will cause major impacts to roadways and property and a Coastal Flood Warning has been issued for our area. Flooding in excess of 5 feet should be expected by tomorrow night's high tide with prolonged flooding as waters will not recede enough to go below the moderate flooding threshold. Winds of 15-20 mph should be expected with gusts higher than 40 mph possible. One to two inches of rain with locally heavier amounts are possible. Wind and rain should be expected through Friday with flooding to last into Sunday morning. Local partners have been contacted and resources are being readied. Sheriff Phillips and Emergency Management will be the leads for this event. "
