The National Weather Service issued a Coastal Flood Warning in effect for Ocean City, Strathmere and nearby coastal areas from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23.
A High Wind Warning will be in effect from 12 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. High Surf and Rip Current Advisories also have been issued for Saturday.
A strong coastal storm will move across the region on Saturday. Sustained northeast winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph and heavy rain will combine to cause moderate coastal flooding.
Water levels are predicted to crest in the hours around high tide on the bay side (Ninth Street Bridge) of Ocean City at 3:10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23. High tide on the bay side of Strathmere near Corson’s Inlet is at 2:52 p.m. Saturday.
The NWS predicts a water level of 6.8 feet on the mean low water scale (MLW). By comparison, the peak water level last month during new moon tides reached about 5.6 MLW. Visit
www.ocnj.us/octides to compare this prediction to other recent and historic tide levels.
Residents should be prepared to move vehicles to safe places well in advance of the Saturday afternoon high tide. The roads closer to the beach including Central and Wesley avenues are typically at higher elevation.
Parking at all municipal parking lots in Ocean City will be free on Saturday (though residents should be aware that access to and from these lots may be limited during peak tides).
Parking also will be available at the Trinity United Methodist Church at 20 North Shore Road in Marmora.
Residents should secure or bring in loose items outdoors in yards and on decks, and contractors are asked to secure job sites.
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.
