The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory in effect for Ocean City from 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21 through 1 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 22. A separate Flood Watch will be in effect through Monday morning.
The tropical system Henri was upgraded to hurricane status on Saturday morning, and the storm will pass offshore of Ocean City on a track up the Atlantic Ocean toward New England.
The Coastal Flood Advisory warns that street flooding could be possible with the high tide at 8:24 p.m.
Saturday on the bay side (Ninth Street Bridge) of Ocean City. Forecasters predict a water level of 5.2 feet on the mean low water (MLW) scale, just below the threshold for “minor” tidal flooding. But if heavy rain coincides with high tide, flooding conditions could be worse.
Visit www.ocnj.us/octides to compare this prediction to other recent and historic tide levels.
The Flood Watch warns that as much as 2 to 4 inches of rain could fall, with higher amounts possible in localized areas.
Residents and visitors should be prepared to monitor conditions and to move vehicles if necessary.
The roads closer to the beach including Central and Wesley avenues are typically at higher elevation. Parking will be available at the Trinity United Methodist Church at 20 North Shore Road in Marmora.
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.
The National Weather Service also advises that rough surf and rip currents will make swimming conditions dangerous. Please visit only guarded beaches (www.ocnj.us/ocbp) and follow all guidance from Ocean City Beach Patrol lifeguards.
For Police and Fire Department emergencies, call 911. For non-emergencies, call 609-399-9111.
