The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Watch and a Winter Storm Watch in effect for Ocean City on Monday.
The Winter Storm Watch will be from 3 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday with at least 4 to 6 inches of heavy snow possible. The Coastal Flood Watch will be from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday with “moderate” flooding expected.
Water levels are predicted to peak in the hours around high tide on the bay side (Ninth Street Bridge) of Ocean City at 8:19 a.m. Monday. The NWS predicts a water level of 6.4 feet on the mean low water (MLW) scale.
By comparison, the water level reached 5.99 feet MLW on Sunday morning. Visit www.ocnj.us/octides to compare this prediction to other recent and historic tide levels.
The watch is likely to be extended with a water level of 6.3 feet MLW predicted for high tide at 9:10 a.m. Tuesday. The heavy snow and north/northeast winds gusting beyond 40 mph on Monday will contribute to flooding conditions.
Residents should be prepared to move vehicles to safe places well in advance of these high tides.
The roads closer to the beach including Central and Wesley avenues are typically at higher elevation. Free parking is available at all municipal lots in town.
Please be aware that while these lots will offer a safe spot, flooding may block access to them during the storm.
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.
The city urges all motorists to stay off flooded streets at all times. Please be advised that West Avenue is a “Snow Removal Zone” and parking is prohibited on both sides of the street when the road is covered by snow.
For police and fire department emergencies, call 911. For non-emergencies, call 609-399-9111.
