The decision to stay during a hurricane could have consequences

When a hurricane approaches the Eastern Shore, residents in vulnerable areas face a critical choice: evacuate or ride out the storm. If the Governor declares a state of emergency and orders those in flood zones to evacuate, it is legally required to leave. However, in practice, local emergency services often lack the manpower to visit every home, making the final decision a personal one.

Many people’s instinct is to stay and protect their property—but that comes with risks. In low-lying areas, first responders may not be able to reach you during an emergency. Flooding often lasts three to six hours, and debris or downed trees can block rescue routes. Choosing to stay means accepting that help may not arrive when you need it.

Even if you are outside a designated flood zone, hazards remain. Mobile homes are not built to withstand hurricane conditions, and large trees can topple in high winds. This danger isn’t limited to shallow-rooted trees—deep-rooted loblolly pines have been known to snap or fall during storms. Several years ago, a man in Parksley lost his life when a tree crashed onto his mobile home during a tropical storm. Additionally, properties bordering recently logged pine areas may face a higher risk of falling trees, especially if isolated trees are left standing at the edges.

Some may worry about large-scale flooding like that seen in Texas and North Carolina. While our flat terrain makes rapid, destructive flood currents unlikely, water can still pose serious threats. Instead of rushing through valleys, floodwaters here spread horizonally  across land. However, certain spots—such as Oyster, Bayford, and the Onancock wharf—are more prone to deeper flooding due to their surrounding higher ground.

The bottom line: prepare for the worst and hope for the best. The Eastern Shore Hurricane Survival Guide, sponsored by A&N Electric Cooperative, offers a detailed hurricane preparedness checklist and a tool to determine if your home lies in a flood zone. It’s available here and in print at local stores and banks.

Tomorrow, we’ll explore evacuation options in detail.