The National Weather Service issued a Coastal Flood Advisory in effect for Ocean City, Strathmere and nearby coastal areas from 7 p.m. Wednesday through 1 a.m. Thursday.
A full moon and swells from distant Hurricane Franklin could combine to create tidal flooding in the “minor” category on Wednesday night. The advisory is likely to be extended through Thursday evening.
Water levels are predicted to crest in the hours around high tide on the bay side (Ninth Street Bridge) of Ocean City at 8:36 p.m. Wednesday. High tide on the bay side of Strathmere near Corson’s Inlet is at 8:19 p.m. Wednesday.
The NWS predicts a water level of 5.6 feet on the mean low water scale (MLW) for Wednesday evening. By comparison, the water level reached 5.42 feet in Ocean City on Monday evening and 5.66 feet on Tuesday evening. Visit www.ocnj.us/octides to compare this prediction to other recent and historic tide levels.
At this time, the National Weather Service is predicting a water level of 6.1 feet MLW for high tide at 9:24 p.m. Thursday — which would be the highest peak tide of the week.
Residents should be prepared to monitor conditions and move vehicles to safe places in advance of the Wednesday evening high tide. The roads closer to the beach including Central and Wesley avenues are typically at higher elevation.
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 National Weather Service has issued a separate Rip Current Statement that warns of rough surf conditions generated by Hurricane Franklin, which is moving over the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This advisory is in effect through Thursday.
For Police and Fire Department emergencies, call 911. For non-emergencies, call 609-399-9111.
