Special Weather Statement: Tropical Storm

The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Watch and a Flash Flood Watch in effect for Ocean City in the coming days. The Tropical Storm Watch warns of sustained winds of 40 mph to 50 mph with gusts up to 60 mph from Tuesday morning (Aug. 4) through Wednesday morning (Aug. 5). The Flash Flood Watch anticipates widespread amounts of 4 to 6 inches of rainfall with locally higher totals possible – from Monday evening (Aug. 3) through Tuesday evening (Aug. 4). These advisories come as Tropical Storm Isaias is expected to take a track that will pass inland of Ocean City on Tuesday. Residents and guests are asked to closely monitor the forecast and weather conditions. Please don’t be caught off-guard. Heavy rain flooding can impact parts of the island that don’t typically experience tidal flooding, including beach blocks. Downpours associated with the storm could flood streets, and flooding could be worse during high tides at 9:04 p.m. Monday, 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, and 9:45 p.m. Tuesday. Because of a full moon, the Monday and Tuesday evening tides will be higher than normal. Be prepared to move vehicles well in advance of these tides or any downpour. 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. Parking will be available at the Trinity United Methodist Church at 20 North Shore Road in Marmora (please read this 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. Ocean conditions are expected to become dangerous as the storm approaches. Swim only at beaches guarded by the Ocean City Beach Patrol, and stay out of the water if the OCBP closes beaches. Loose objects on your property should be brought inside or secured. All contractors are asked to secure job sites. Driving conditions could be hazardous, and power outages are possible. Please write down the following emergency contact numbers for local utility companies should you experience outages or other problems during the storm:

• Atlantic City Electric:800-833-7476
• South Jersey Gas:888-766-9900
• Comcast Cable:800-COMCAST (800-266-2278)

The utility companies recommend you contact them directly as soon as you experience a problem so that they can properly track outages and repairs. For Police and Fire Department emergencies, call 911. For non-emergencies, call 609-399-9111.