Somerset County is located in the southernmost part of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Somerset County is bordered on the west by the Chesapeake Bay, on the northwest by Dorchester County, on the north by Wicomico County, on the east by Worcester County, and on the south by Accomack County, Virginia. Several islands are a part of Somerset County, including Smith, Deal, James, South Marsh, and Little Deal Islands. Some of the streams located in Somerset County include Wicomico Creek, Monie Bay, Manokin River, Kings Creek, Back Creek, the Big Annemessex River, the Little Annemessex River, the Pocomoke River, and Dividing Creek.

 

Somerset County lies in the Atlantic Coastal Plain. The topography in the county is nearly level or gently undulating, with only 10 percent rising above 20 feet and 5 only a few places in the northeast rising above 50 feet (U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Approximately 23 percent of the county is salt water marshes and 6 percent is fresh water marshes. Two thirds of the land area has been ditched to aid drainage. Only 10 percent of the soils drain well enough to farm without artificial drainage (USDA).

 

Flood problems are typically caused by hurricanes, thunderstorms, and heavy rains. These most often occur during the months of July, August, and September but can occur at other times during the year.