All Ocean City schools will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 9, due to the heavy rains, high winds and tidal flooding, the school district announced early Tuesday.
The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood warning for Ocean City on Tuesday morning as a coastal storm bears down on the island and promises to bring as much as 2 inches of rain.
The warning was in effect for a Monday night high tide, but with the rain yet to arrive, only the most flood-prone streets saw flooding.
The Tuesday morning tide arrives at 9:41 a.m. — at the same time the rain and wind from the passing nor’easter will be heaviest.
Residents of low-lying streets should consider moving their vehicles.
Northeast winds are expected to gust as strong as 45 mph on Tuesday morning.
The seas offshore will be 8 to 11 feet, according to the marine forecast.
The forecast calls for coastal regions to see only rain. Areas north and west of the Interstate 95 could see a mix of rain and snow.
In the surf, a stormy northeast swell is expected to build through Tuesday with offshore winds possibly creating good conditions on Wednesday as the storm passes. The ocean water temperature is 47 degrees.
A Monday afternoon alert from the Ocean City Office of Emergency Management is as follows:
Widespread minor to moderate tidal flooding can be expected around the time of high tide Monday, Dec. 8 at approximately 9:30 p.m. along the bayfront.
Widespread moderate tidal flooding is again expected during Tuesday morning’s high tide at approximately 9:41 a.m. It is expected that the flooding Tuesday morning will significantly exceed what was experienced Monday morning.
Flooding may occur well prior to the times of high tide and last for several hours.
Residents and visitors in areas of Ocean City that have experienced tidal flooding in the past are advised to move their vehicles to higher ground well prior to the times of high tide.
Motorists are reminded to not enter flooded roadways or drive around barricades. The water may be much deeper than it appears.
Periods of heavy rain and high gusty winds are also expected during this period. Please secure loose objects on or around your property.
Weather conditions and forecasts should be closely monitored for the next 24 hours.
Further information and updates can be seen locally on the City’s Government Access Channel (Channel 97 on the Comcast Cable System in Ocean City) or on line at: www.ocnj.us.
Flood “warnings” indicate conditions already exist or are imminent. “Watches” indicate only strong possibilities. The complete National Weather Service briefing on the storm is below.
