The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood watch in effect for Ocean City from 6 p.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday. A wind advisory also will be in effect from 6 p.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Monday.
A widespread storm system is expected to cross the region on Sunday and Monday. Rainfall amounts of 1.5 to 3 inches are expected with localized amounts possibly greater. Easterly winds sustained at 25 to 35 mph and gusting to 50 mph will contribute to tidal flooding conditions.
Water levels are predicted to crest in the hours around high tide on the bay side (Ninth Street Bridge) of Ocean City at 12:04 a.m. Monday (just past midnight on Sunday evening).
High tide on the bay side of Strathmere near Corson’s Inlet is at 11:46 p.m. Sunday. The NWS predicts a water level of 5.8 feet on the mean low water scale (MLW) for these tides.
By comparison, the water level reached 5.29 feet in Ocean City during a similar storm last Sunday. Visit
www.ocnj.us/octides to compare this prediction to other recent and historic tide levels.
The NWS also predicts flooding for high tides at 11:27 a.m. Sunday (5.7 feet MLW) and 12:28 p.m. Monday (5.7 feet MLW).
Residents should be prepared to monitor conditions and move vehicles to safe places in advance of these high tides, particularly before going to bed on Sunday night.
Don’t be caught off guard. Heavy rain flooding can impact parts of the island that don’t typically experience tidal flooding, and flooding conditions can develop quickly. The roads closer to the beach including Central and Wesley avenues are typically at higher elevation.
Parking at all municipal lots in Ocean City is free. Parking also 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 Police and Fire Department emergencies, call 911. For non-emergencies, call 609-399-9111.
