Several municipalities have advised residents of the potential for deteriorating weather conditions Monday night to Tuesday.
From Ocean City:
The National Weather Service issued a Coastal Flood Warning in effect for Ocean City, Strathmere and nearby coastal areas through 3 a.m. Wednesday (Feb. 14).
With a strong coastal storm passing by overnight Monday and into Tuesday, there is a possibility of significant coastal flooding impacts through two high tides on Tuesday. Water levels are expected to exceed what Ocean City has experienced in the past week when a series of Coast Flood “Advisories” were issued.
A Wind Advisory also will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday with north winds of 25 to 35 mph gusting to 45 mph.
Water levels are predicted to crest in the hours around high tide on the bay side (Ninth Street Bridge) of Ocean City at 10:46 a.m. Tuesday. High tide on the bay side of Strathmere near Corson’s Inlet is at 10:27 a.m. Tuesday. The NWS predicts a water level of 6.5 feet on the mean low water scale (MLW) for Tuesday morning. By comparison, the water level reached 5.77 feet MLW on Saturday morning, 5.72 feet MLW on Sunday morning, and 5.43 feet MLW on Monday morning. Visit www.ocnj.us/octides to compare this prediction to other recent and historic tide levels.
The NWS also predicts the following water levels:
- 10:22 p.m. Monday: 5.4 feet MLW
- 11:14 p.m. Tuesday: 6.1 feet MLW
Residents should be prepared to move vehicles to safe places well in advance of these high tides. The roads closer to the beach including Central and Wesley avenues are typically at higher elevation. Parking at all municipal lots in Ocean City is free. Parking also will be available at the Trinity United Methodist Church at 20 North Shore Road in Marmora (please read letter from Trinity if you take advantage of this service).
Residents should secure loose items outdoors in yards and on decks.
For your safety and the protection of your vehicle and neighboring properties, never attempt to drive through flood waters, and do not drive around barricades.
From Sea Isle City:
A low-pressure system will arrive and intensify over our area starting tonight (February 12) and continue through Tuesday morning (February 13).
We can expect over 1-inch of rain, strong gusty winds, and minor to moderate tidal flooding with this storm system.
The main hi-tide of concern will occur on Tuesday morning at approximately 11:00 AM, when moderate tidal flooding is expected. There may also be minor flooding at other times.
Vehicles parked in low-lying areas should move to higher ground prior to Tuesday morning’s hi-tide.
As always, please do not drive through flood waters, because you can severely damage your vehicle, and the wake your vehicle creates can damage nearby properties and gardens.
Thank you – and stay safe.
Cape May Police noted a Wind Advisory in effect until 5 pm Tuesday for North winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
