Coastal Flood Warning in Effect in Ocean City as Storm Hits New Jersey

Ocean City, NJ -- The National Weather Service issued a Coastal Flood Warning, a High Wind Warning and a Winter Storm Warning for Ocean City, in effect from Friday night through Sunday morning. These were upgraded from watches that were previously issued.

Snow began to fall on New Jersey around 6 p.m., and Ocean City was expecting major coastal flooding around high tides this weekend.

High tides in Ocean City are set for 7:28 a.m. Saturday, 7:54 p.m. Saturday, and 8:11 a.m. Sunday.

As of 10:03 p.m. Friday night, the speed limit on the Garden State Parkway between Southern Terminus/109 in Cape May and north of the Asbury Toll Plaza in Tinton Falls was reduced to 35 mph for salting.

Recent forecasts project 7.8 feet in Atlantic City. During Superstorm Sandy, tide reached 10.02 feet in Ocean City. During the storm that resulted in flooding in October, tides reached 7.3 feet.

City officials recommended moving vehicles that typically experience tidal flooding well in advance of high tide, and to either secure loose objects or bring them inside. All contractors are asked to secure job sites in advance of the storm.

Residents are told to encourage neighbors or friends to stop by, secure loose items and report back. Temperatures will be below freezing, so they should consider turning up the heat to prevent frozen pipes.

“These shared efforts are part of what defines the spirit of our community in times like these,” Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian said in his weekly address. “The city team has been hard at work preparing to keep everybody safe, but if you or your neighbors have concerns about flooding or power outages, we recommend you make arrangements today to stay with family or friends.”

City officials remind residents 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.

The roads closer to the beach including Central and Wesley avenues are typically at higher elevation for those looking to park their car. City officials also recommend a trip to the mainland as the safest bet.

Wind is not expected to reach hurricane force, but any precaution such as boarding up windows can be advisable in high winds, officials said.

Residents are not being told to evacuate, but they should use their best judgement.

“Residents in usual flooding areas or who are uncomfortable with potential power outages should make arrangements with family or friends,” officials said in a statement released Friday morning. “At this time everyone should begin to prepare for possible flooding and potential power outages.”

Travel conditions will be extremely hazardous and residents are encouraged to stay off the roads.

Flooding is expected to limit access to many streets in Ocean City, and drivers shouldn’t attempt to drive through flood waters.

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