OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City residents are being urged to prepare for several days of coastal flooding as the National Weather Service issued a Coastal Flood Warning for the shore town through 2 a.m. Saturday.
The Ocean City Office of Emergency Management said Rip Current, Wind and High Surf advisories also will be in effect during that period.
According to the special weather statement issued at 10 a.m. Wednesday, a slow-moving coastal storm with sustained northeast winds of 30 to 35 mph and gusts up to 50 mph is expected to cause minor to moderate coastal flooding through multiple high-tide cycles. The statement said rainfall during that stretch could add to flooding conditions.
The city said water levels are predicted to peak around high tide on the bay side at the Ninth Street Bridge several times through Friday night. Forecasts call for "Moderate" tidal flooding at 6.4 feet MLW at 6:48 p.m. Wednesday, "Minor" tidal flooding at 6.1 feet MLW at 7:14 a.m. Thursday, and "Moderate" tidal flooding at 6.5 feet MLW at 7:31 p.m. Thursday. Additional "Moderate" flooding is predicted at 6.5 feet MLW at 7:53 a.m. Friday and 6.7 feet MLW at 8:11 p.m. Friday.
For comparison, the statement noted that water levels reached 6.95 feet MLW during a nor'easter on Columbus Day Weekend, Oct. 12-13, 2025. The city directed residents to www.ocnj.us/octides to compare the latest predictions with recent and historic tide levels.
Residents were told to monitor conditions and move vehicles to safer areas well before high tide. The statement said roads closer to the beach, including Central and Wesley avenues, are typically at higher elevation. Parking will be free in municipal lots in Ocean City through Friday, and additional parking will be available at Trinity United Methodist Church, 20 North Shore Road in Marmora.
The city also urged residents to secure loose outdoor items and furniture, and said contractors should make sure job sites are secure. Boat owners along exposed bayfront areas were advised to consider removing boats from the water or checking lines and bilge pumps.
The statement included a direct safety warning for flooded roads: "For your safety and the protection of your vehicle and neighboring properties, never drive on any street covered by water. Please do not disregard barricades on flooded streets." For Police & Fire Department emergencies, residents should call 911. For non-emergencies, they should call 609-399-9111.
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