Talbot County
~~~~~ September 26, 2003 ~~~~~
Oxford: Significant flooding (upwards of 5 feet) occurred along the waterfront and several blocks into the town. Higher ground near the town hall and the town museum was spared from flooding. Wind damage was evident but limited. At least one historic residence, three or more non-historic residences, and one apartment building may be condemned. Damage to historic structures was limited and appears to be primarily related to water infiltration.
St. Michaels: No damage has been identified to historic residential properties. Main Street businesses sustained limited flooding. The waterside restaurants all had significant flood damage and most remain closed as of 9/24.
Tilghman Island: Flood waters at the Dogwood marina were estimated at 3 to 4 feet and numerous buildings on the island — particularly in the town of Tilghman and at the southeastern tip — took water. Floodborne debris is evident in nearly every yard.
~~~~~ September 23, 2003 ~~~~~
St. Michaels: The storm surge crested at 6.5 feet, exceeding Hurricane Hazel (1954) and approximately matching the 1933 hurricane. Flooding occurred across the grounds of the Maritime Museum and along the historic waterfront.
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum: Among exhibit buildings, only the Hooper Island Lighthouse and the Steamboat Building escaped the flood. Among the flooded buildings are the Waterfowling, Bay History, Small Boat, Waterman’s Wharf, and Boat Shop exhibits. Also taking water were the education office, museum store, exhibits and maintenance buildings, and the Point Lookout Bell Tower. The library and collections storage escaped damage, as did the three historic buildings that face the harbor (recently placed on higher foundations). Collections were largely spared. A few small artifacts in the admissions building were damaged and have been evacuated and frozen for conservation. The small craft collection took some damage from being swamped or cast about, but primarily requiring minor repairs or cleaning. The vessels that were in the water rode out the storm without damage. The principal clean-up problem is related to grease set adrift from the restaurant next door. The museum expects to reopen by the middle of this week.
 Oxford: No report available, but assume flooding along the waterfront.
Tilghman Island: Reports 6-foot storm surge with southern part of island most affected. Black Walnut Point DNR building (1840s) was extensively damaged. Old Manor House on Southeast tip of island also reported as damaged. Shoreline loss and damage to prehistoric archeological sites (an important Paleo Indian site lost 25 feet of bay frontage to shoreline erosion).
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