DUNDALK, Md. (WJZ)–In Baltimore County’s low-lying areas like Watersedge and Millers Island, flooding is a major concern.

Monique Griego has the latest on cleanup efforts.

The water had risen two to three feet. A lot has receded, but the mess is still left behind.

The wrath of Sandy brought powerful waves to Baltimore County’s waterfront communities. Many neighborhoods ended up knee-deep in flood water.

“A mess. Very much a mess. You couldn’t even get here in cars,” said Dennis Donnelly.

“We live in a low-lying area like this. It just floods regardless,” said Brian Poling.

In Millers Island, resident Brian Poling still has soggy yards and flood-damaged basements.

“You can walk in the basement and it just smells like fish and baywater,” he said.

While most of the homeowners in low-lying areas have some type of flood insurance, above-ground basements aren’t covered.

“The pier was just about gone,” Poling said.

He and his neighbors have been cleaning up all the leaves and debris left behind while also reflecting on how much worse things could have been.

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“Hopefully things get back to normal and everybody gets back on their feet,” Donnelly said.

“They said prepare for the worst and expect the best and I think we did all right,” Poling said.

After Hurricane Isabel in 2003, many of the homeowners built their houses and added ground-flood basements. Wednesday, many said it was the best move they ever made.

Photo Gallery: Tracking Hurricane Sandy