By MADDY VITALE
No one can say New Jersey is in a drought. And if you live along the coast, there’s reason to get ready for a weekend storm that is predicted to bring with it inches of rain.
Ocean City is ready and also used to the rainy weather that seems to have shaped up the winter season as a very wet — nearly snowless — one.
A widespread storm system is expected to cross the region this weekend. Rainfall amounts of 2.5 inches to 3.5 inches are expected with localized amounts possibly greater, according to a weather alert sent out by the city from the National Weather Service Thursday afternoon.
The rain totals “may result in significant street flooding. The forecast also calls for strong southeast winds gusting up to 45 mph,” the alert reads.
“We’re keeping an eye on the forecast. At this point, the National Weather Service has issued no advisory, and there is no tidal flooding anticipated, which is always good news,” Ocean City Public Information Officer Doug Bergen said in an email to OCNJDaily.com earlier in the day Thursday, just prior to the NWS alert.
Later in the day, the National Weather Service did issue a flood watch for Ocean City from late Friday through Sunday morning.
Bergen said that flooding could be an issue in certain areas on the island.
“Flooding from heavy rain can affect parts of town that don’t typically experience tidal flooding,” Bergen said. “Public Works is always ready to clear drains and block access to flooded streets.”
Rain has become a common occurrence throughout March, he added.
“The weekend forecast looks pretty familiar to what we’ve seen all month — lots of rain,” he said.
While there is a flood watch in effect, as Bergen pointed out, there is not a coastal flood advisory, at least as of early Thursday evening.
Residents should continue to 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, and flooding conditions can develop quickly,” the weather alert reads.
Residents and visitors are urged to be prepared to move vehicles. The roads closer to the beach, including Central and Wesley avenues, are at higher elevation. Parking at all municipal lots 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.
