OCEAN CITY, Md. — The town of Ocean City has ordered an evacuation of downtown residents as Hurricane Sandy heads for the Delmarva Peninsula.

Residents must leave the area south of 17th Street by 8 p.m. Sunday.

In addition, a voluntary evacuation order has been issued for residents and occupants of known low-lying areas. And Mayor Rick Meehan has closed the beach to everyone until further notice.

The town says severe flooding is expected.

Worcester County is expected to open shelters beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday. The town of Ocean City will use its buses to transport people with special needs to shelters; service will start at 1 p.m. from the Convention Center.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)