According to the Weather Channel, Hurricane Hermine hit Florida and is now expected to cross the Panhandle of Florida and travel up the East Coast as a tropical storm. From what the maps look like, Ocean City is under a Tropical Storm Watch with no more than a few inches + of rain predicted, mostly falling Saturday. WBOC predicts that we will begin seeing the effects of the storm late Friday night and that by Sunday afternoon, we should see improving weather. Labor Day is predicted to be mostly sunny with a high of 87 degrees. To keep updated, you can check here or check WBOC’s local weather page.
What does this mean for Ocean City and the thousands of vacationers in town for the holiday weekend? First, and most importantly, It doesn’t look like the winds nor the rain will be life threatening if you are careful. Happily, all the bars, restaurants, and hotels are open for business and the storm will only add to the festive atmosphere in these haunts. There are many indoor activities that are fun, from indoor golf at Old Pro, to the new haunted house, to many new movies at Sun and Surf Cinema 8. Play games with the family or just watch the waves crash. The waves should be dramatic and the beach erosion could be significant. Swimming will be more treacherous and visitors to the beach should stay out of the water unless the lifeguards are in the stands. Be sure to listen to the beach patrol 
and do as instructed. They are here to keep you safe, but nobody should take unnecessary risks. There may be storm surge so be careful where you drive during the high tide cycles of the storm.
We are in for a different kind of beach weekend, but it will be a blast none the less. Pack your weather gear and plan to enjoy the many people and places that make Ocean City great throughout the summer. Friday is great. Sunday could be good by the end of the day and Monday will be perfect. Saturday couldn’t be a better day for enjoying the indoor activities available in Ocean City. Don’t forget, you can try some of the locally produced craft beers and try to win the OC8 Challenge while you are waiting for Hermine to pass. Drink world class beer, watch a storm, and win prizes all at the same time. Sounds like a GREAT Labor Day weekend to me!
You can download the Shore Craft Beer app from the Apple store to get started. Information is also available online at ShoreCraftBeer.com. For those that like the beer or can’t finish the challenge before the sun shines again, then come down next weekend for the 8th Annual Brews on the Beach where you can try over 30 locally brewed craft beers. Tickets are available online at www.ShoreCraftBeerFest.com.
Have a very happy and safe Labor Day weekend. We will keep you updated on Hermine and will keep posting photos and looking for yours on our Facebook page.
