The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch in effect for Ocean City through 1 a.m. Friday.While flash flooding is a condition that typically occurs near rivers, Ocean City can experience similar conditions if heavy rain coincides with high tide. A new round of showers and thunderstorms will develop Thursday afternoon and night.The forecast calls for as much as 3 inches of rain in a short period of time in some localized areas, according to the NWS notification. High tide on the bay side of Ocean City (at the Ninth Street Bridge) will be at 11:20 p.m. on Thursday.
The NWS water level predictions for Thursday and Friday do not call for tidal flooding. Residents and visitors are asked to closely monitor the forecast and weather conditions.Residents should be prepared to move their vehicles. Heavy rain flooding can impact parts of the island that don’t typically experience tidal flooding. The roads closer to the beach including Central and Wesley avenues are at higher elevation. These roads also offer the safest routes of travel across the length of the island.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.For Police and Fire Department emergencies, call 911. For non-emergencies, call 609-399-9111.