The National Weather Service issued a Coastal Flood Watch in effect for Ocean City from 8 a.m. Sunday (Nov. 17) through 5 p.m. Monday (Nov. 18).
Strong northeast winds gusting to 45 mph are predicted for the weekend and into Monday, and the NWS warns of coastal flooding through at least three high tides. Rain is also in the forecast and could make conditions worse. An NWS “Watch” indicates that conditions for significant flooding are expected to develop.
The watch forecasts water levels to peak in the hours around high tide on the bay side of Ocean City at 11:09 a.m. Sunday. Forecasters project a tide of 6.7 feet on the mean low water scale (MLW). This projection falls in the middle of the “moderate” tidal flooding range. By comparison, flooding on Oct. 11, 2019) reached 6.64 feet MLW. Visit www.ocnj.us/octides to compare these predictions to other recent and historic tide levels.
Subsequent high tides include:
- 11:55 p.m. Sunday (prediction is 5.7 feet)
- 12:07 p.m. Monday (prediction is 6.5 feet)
Residents should monitor conditions and be prepared to move vehicles from areas that typically experience flooding. The roads closer to the beach including Central and Wesley avenues are at higher elevation. Parking 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).
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.
We will continue to provide updates and information as the forecast develops. For Police and Fire Department emergencies, call 911. For non-emergencies, call 609-399-9111.
