Oceans Calling Festival cancels Friday performances as nor'easter approaches
Maryland's Oceans Calling Festival has been forced to cancel its Friday lineup due to coastal flooding that's impacting the site in Ocean City.
The cancellation comes as a powerful nor'easter develops off the East Coast. Maryland's eastern seaboard is expected to see coastal flooding and beach erosion from the storm, as well as gusty winds and some rain showers into the weekend.
Ocean City is under a coastal flood warning Thursday and Friday, with moderate flooding expected during the high tide cycles.
The festival site already saw flooding and beach erosion Thursday morning, and the next high tides are set for 7 p.m. Thursday, 7 a.m. Friday and 8 p.m. Friday.
"Friday will not move forward as planned"
Festival organizers shared the update Thursday morning, saying they are unable to complete their setup in time.
"Despite the extraordinary efforts of our production, site, safety teams, and the city staff/officials the impacts of this week's continued weather, including beach erosion that affected the festival site, have made it impossible to safely complete the build in time for Friday," organizers said on social media, adding, "Friday will not move forward as planned. The safety of our fans, artists, crew, and community comes first."
Among the artists scheduled to perform Friday were Dave Matthews Band, Hootie & the Blowfish, Ludacris and O.A.R.
Festival organizers said single-day tickets that were bought for Friday through Front Gate Tickets will be automatically refunded, along with 33% of 3-day tickets.
At this point, it's unclear if the shows will go on as scheduled Saturday and Sunday.
"We are working very hard to get the show up for the remainder of the weekend, and hoping the conditions improve," organizers said on social media.
Maryland's nor'easter forecast
The developing nor'easter will stay safely off of Maryland's coast, but some impacts are still likely due to its size and intensity.
Coastal flood warnings are in effect for many areas of central and southern Chesapeake Bay, as well as the back bays near Ocean City and for the Ocean City inlet. A coastal flood warning is also in effect for Anne Arundel County, where officials in Annapolis handed out free sandbags Wednesday.
Up to 1 foot of water above dry ground is expected during the early morning high tides.
In addition to coastal flooding, the Atlantic Ocean beaches from Assateague Island to the Delaware Beaches will endure a long duration of large waves and beach erosion. While many inland spots will stay dry, coastal neighborhoods could experience occasional showers through the weekend.
Stick with the WJZ First Alert Weather team for the latest updates on the developing storm.
