With a nor’easter moving up the Atlantic and about 12 hours away, forecasters are still predicting that Ocean City will be affected more by tidal flooding than snow.
But the flooding is expected to be minor as gusty northeast winds pass relatively quickly (meteorologists define “minor” flooding as something that happens six times a year on average).
Minor flooding still is likely to affect many Ocean City streets, and residents of low-lying streets should consider moving their vehicles to higher ground for high tides at 7:04 a.m. and 7:28 p.m. on Thursday.
The Ocean City Police Department issued a reminder Wednesday for drivers to remove parked vehicles from the snow emergency route along the entire length of West Avenue if the road is snow-covered. Violators will be ticketed.
The threat of snow farther inland forced a change in schedule for some school events, including the Ocean City High School girls’ swimming South Jersey title meet, which will be held today (Feb. 12) at 4:30 p.m. at Gloucester County Institute of Technology. It had been scheduled for Thursday. No other postponements had been announced as of Wednesday morning.
A winter weather advisory remains in effect for Ocean City from 7 p.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Friday. A gale warning also is in effect. (See the National Weather Service’s current briefing package.)
Snow is expected to begin before midnight, then turn to sleet and rain after 1 a.m. Little or no snow accumulation is expected in Ocean City. Areas farther inland can expect anywhere up to a foot of snow.
But with a full-moon tide coming on Friday, northeast winds of 25 to 30 mph gusting beyond 40 mph, and heavy rain, Ocean City is likely to see widespread minor flooding.
Valentine’s Day on Friday will see drier weather and a high temperature that may exceed 40 degrees. The long-range forecast calls for temperatures that may reach the 50s next week.
