The National Weather Service forecast calls for heavy rain, gusty winds and coastal flooding over the weekend.
The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory in effect for Ocean City, Strathmere and nearby coastal areas from 3 a.m. Saturday through 12 p.m. Sunday.
A new moon, rain and strong onshore winds will combine to cause minor flooding through three consecutive high tide cycles.
Water levels are predicted to crest in the hours around high tide on the bay side (Ninth Street Bridge) of Ocean City at the following times:
7:11 a.m. Saturday (The NWS predicts a water level of 5.8 feet on the mean low water scale (MLW).
7:35 p.m. Saturday (5.9 feet MLW prediction)
8:58 a.m. Sunday (5.9 feet MLW prediction)
By comparison, the peak water level reached 5.48 feet MLW on Friday morning. Visit
www.ocnj.us/octides to compare this prediction to other recent and historic tide levels.
The corresponding high tides on the bay side of Strathmere near Corson’s Inlet are at 6:52 a.m. and 7:18 p.m. Saturday and 8:42 a.m. Sunday.
Residents should be prepared to move vehicles to safe places before going to bed on Friday night. 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 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.
Paid for by Michael DeVlieger