The updated forecast for a coastal storm that will pass close to Ocean City on Monday and Tuesday suggests the greatest threat for flooding will be on Monday evening.
A low-pressure system developing off the southeastern United States will move northward Monday night into Tuesday, according to a Sunday weather briefing from the National Weather Service. The storm possibly could bring more than two inches of rain and north winds gusting up to 45 mph.
High tides at the Ninth Street Bridge on the flood-prone bay side of Ocean City are at 9:29 p.m. Monday, then 9:40 a.m. and 10:13 p.m. Tuesday. The highest predicted tide is Monday evening (the full moon tide passed on Saturday, Dec. 6).
The forecast calls for min0r to moderate tidal flooding, NWS designations that usually indicate low-lying streets in Ocean City will flood. Residents should consider moving their vehicles to high ground.
The seas offshore will be 8 to 11 feet, according to the marine forecast.
“There is still uncertainty as to the track and strength of the low, which will impact the overall forecast,” the NWS said in its Sunday briefing.
The forecast calls for coastal regions to see mainly 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 Sunday, Monday and Tuesday with offshore winds possibly creating good conditions on Wednesday as the storm passes. The ocean water temperature is 47 degrees.
See the complete NWS briefing below.
