Will Hurricane Ian, now tropical storm, hit Maryland? Virginia declares state of emergency

UPDATE: Accomack Public Schools will be closed Friday, while Northampton Public Schools will be virtual. Ian returned to hurricane status Thursday afternoon, leaving a rising death toll and thousands of residents desperately seeking rescue. It is expected to again make landfall in South Carolina on Friday.

SATURDAY UPDATE:Hurricane Ian impact felt in Ocean City, Maryland and Virginia

FRIDAY UPDATE:Hurricane Ian could bring gusts up to 50 mph to Maryland beaches

With Hurricane Ian making landfall Wednesday in Florida, the Category 4 storm was downgraded to a tropical storm overnight over the Atlantic Ocean and is slated to move north Friday, sparking Delmarva Peninsula residents to prepare for severe weather and flooding.

As of Thursday morning, the National Weather service issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for all Maryland beaches and Accomack and Northampton counties in Virginia. Weather officials warned "Tropical Storm Ian is forecasted to make a second landfall along the South Carolina coast Friday afternoon, before moving northwest and weakening over the Carolinas Saturday."

Meanwhile, strong high pressure will remain anchored across New England into the weekend. The combination of the high to the north and the tropical low to the south will funnel moisture into the region, with periods of heavy rain possible Friday into Friday night. Another area of low pressure is expected to form along the coast Sunday into Monday after a lull Saturday into Saturday night.

This will bring periods of breezy to windy conditions along the coast and produce a variety of coastal impacts, including coastal flooding, high surf, beach erosion and strong rip currents.

LIVE UPDATES:Tropical Storm Ian still pounding Florida in '500-year flooding event'; 2.6M without power

They also issued a High Surf Advisory for the same areas in effect from 10 a.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday, warning of large breaking waves of 6-9 feet in surf zones creating dangerous fishing and surfing condition and "localized beach erosion. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions."

James Hamilton, deputy emergency services director for Worcester County, noted hurricane season prompts the county to be in a state of constant readiness.

"We're anticipating 4-6 inches of rain and from a tidal flooding perspective, most of the moderate to major flooding should remain well south of us," Hamilton said. "We're looking at minor flooding within Ocean City and we're currently briefing all the fire chiefs on what we can expect during a potential flood event with prolonged rains and escalating tides."

Hamilton also noted residents should remain prepared for emergencies regardless of the season and especially during summer tropical storms that can potentially spawn a tornado. Issues like power outages, loss of basic utilities and access to fresh water for an extended period of time are particularly paramount during these instances. He also explained public shelters would be open if needed.

The inaugural three-day Oceans Calling music festival, slated to be held this weekend in downtown Ocean City on the beach and inlet, was canceled Thursday afternoon. About 40,000 tickets were to be sold for the event.

RELATED:Oceans Calling 2022 festival in Ocean City canceled due to Tropical Storm Ian

Youngkin declares state of emergency

The strength of the storm prompted Virginia Gov. Glenn Younkin to declare a state of emergency beginning Friday, Sept. 30.

This move allows the commonwealth to mobilize resources and equipment needed for response and recovery efforts. Virginians should be prepared for the potential of severe rainfall, flooding, wind damage, tornadoes and other storm-related impacts.

"The Virginia Emergency Support Team is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating resources and information to prepare for this storm. The Virginia Emergency Operations Center will coordinate preparedness, response, and recovery efforts with local, state and federal officials," said the governor's office in a statement.

Also keeping a close eye on the path of the hurricane are National Weather Service meteorologists in the Wakefield office of the weather agency

"We're looking at a prolonged period of windy conditions starting Friday and into early next week as well as tidal flooding," said Eswar Iyer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. "There's a potential also for several inches of rain over that period. It may not be hurricane-force winds when it gets up here, but there's the potential for low-end tropical storm forecasts."

STORMS:Why don't hurricanes make landfall in Maryland, Delaware?

HISTORIC WEATHER:Which hurricanes damaged Ocean City the most?

Delmarva keeps wary eye on storm

On Wednesday the hurricane had sustained winds of more than 150 mph (within 7 mph of Category 5), and made landfall near Cayo Costa, Florida. It moved across central Florida overnight. More than 2.6 million homes and businesses across Florida were without power Thursday morning, according to USA TODAY.

Meanwhile, Delmarva keeps a close watch on what's coming.

"A tropical storm has winds over 39 mph, with a hurricane having over 74 mph. You're looking at minor to moderate local tidal flooding (with the current forecast in the region). It's similar to what you would see in your winter nor'easters and coastal storms," Iyer said.

Forecasts for Ocean City, which will be holding its Oceans Calling 2022 festival — with headliners Dave Matthews with Tim Reynolds, the Lumineers and Alanis Morissette — call for rain Friday and Saturday, with rain also likely on Sunday. Breezy conditions are expected throughout the five-day forecast, with northeast winds ranging from 26 to 28 mph and gusts of 36 mph Friday.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tropical storm safety starts with: staying out of floodwater; not using wet electrical devices; using flashlights instead of candles should power be lost; not using certain types of fuel burning devices to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning; staying away from downed or low hanging power lines; and regular hand washing.