ALLY LANASA/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
This downed tree in Berlin is just one of many that toppled on Tuesday as Tropical Storm Isaias caused damage throughout the Eastern Shore, with some areas impacted more than others. See story on page 3.
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer
(Aug. 6, 2020) The Town of Berlin personnel spent Tuesday afternoon cleaning up from the quick but violent visit by Tropical Storm Isaias that morning.
Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood said about six large trees fell, along with countless limbs and branches.
As a result, the Berlin Public Works Department is holding a special yard collection on Aug. 11 for occupied residential properties.
Berlin citizens can place debris such as leaves, pine needles, cones and other vegetation yard waste in a paper or plastic bag on the curb by 6 a.m. on Aug. 11.
Tree limbs or brush must be cut into 4-foot pieces and bundled no larger than 18 inches in diameter.
The town also experienced power outages on and off throughout the day, but the power was restored fully about 2 p.m., Fleetwood said.
“No customer has been more than a couple hours without power,” he added, as he expressed gratitude to Tim Lawrence and the Electric Department.
The Electric Utility also replaced a damaged pole on Assateague Road.
The town received less than one inch of rain from the storm, and no flooding occurred.
Before the storm’s arrival, the town provided sand bags for citizens at the power plant on William Street.
Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director, said businesses were instructed to bring in flags and sandwich board signs to prepare for powerful wind gusts.
Fleetwood applauded Main Street merchants for taking in sandwich boards, furniture and flowerpots before the storm.
The damage downtown was minor. Fleetwood said two windowpanes blew out of a building across from Town Hall and the owner has been made aware of the need for repair. Another store’s awnings suffered slight wind damage.
Several businesses, such as Island Creamery, Burn Wood Fired Pizza and Blacksmith Bar and Restaurant delayed their openings until the later afternoon on Tuesday to ensure the safety of employees and patrons. Beach Memories on North Main Street closed for the day.