The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch, and a Coastal Flood Watch in advance of an approaching winter storm that has the potential to put accumulating snowfall on our Borough, as well as the risk of minor to moderate coastal flooding at time of high tide. The Winter Storm Watch is in effect on Wednesday, March 21st from 6:00am until 11:00pm; the Coastal Flood Watch is in effect from Tuesday, March 20th at 8:00pm until Thursday, March 22nd, at 5:00am.

An approaching storm is expected to bring rain and windy conditions to our region Tuesday and Tuesday night. On Wednesday, there will be a gradual changeover to potentially all snowfall during the afternoon hours with another two to four inches of snow possible before midnight. These weather conditions, combined with the potential for flooding, will make driving hazardous and at times difficult, especially Wednesday and Wednesday night.

High tide at the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge between Avalon and Sea Isle City will occur on Tuesday at 10:42am, and again at 11:01pm; on Wednesday at 11:25am and again at 11:47pm; and on Thursday at 12:14pm. As of Monday, March 19th the tides of particular concern appear to be the nighttime tides on both Tuesday and Wednesday, along with the daytime high tide on Wednesday.

Exercise caution while driving during this storm event. If you have any interruption in electrical service, contact Atlantic City Electric at 1-800-833-7476. If you have any emergency, dial 911. It is possible that local police may have to close the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge due to unsafe conditions. Never attempt to drive on any street that has flooding as this puts you and your vehicle at risk. Please understand that snow conditions may shield potential flooding from view, especially during the evening hours. If you live on a street that frequently floods during moderate coastal flooding, consider moving your vehicle off the street or to another location on the island that is not subject to flooding. Secure objects subject to strong winds, including construction sites.

The Borough continues to be in contact with the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management and with the National Weather Service. Continue to follow this web page for additional information, and continue to monitor the updates on the forecast through traditional media outlets.

Here is the text of the Coastal Flood Watch and the Winter Storm Watch issued by the National Weather Service:

Coastal Flood Watch

COASTAL FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY EVENING THROUGH LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT… The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a Coastal Flood Watch, which is in effect from Tuesday evening through late Wednesday night.

* LOCATIONS…Coastal areas of southeastern Burlington County,   Atlantic County and Cape May County.

* COASTAL FLOODING…Minor flooding is possible with Tuesday   night`s high tide. Moderate flooding is possible with the high   tides on Wednesday and Wednesday night.

* TIMING…Flooding may occur for a few hours around the time of   high tide. High tide on the New Jersey oceanfront occurs between   10:15 PM and 11:15 PM on Tuesday, between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM   on Wednesday, and between 11:00 PM and midnight on Wednesday   night. High tide on the back bays and along Delaware Bay occurs   later than the high tide on the oceanfront.

* SURGE…Around 1.5 to 2.0 feet on Tuesday night, and around 2.5   to 3.0 feet on Wednesday and Wednesday night. * WAVES…Around 12 to 18 feet off the coast on Tuesday night and   Wednesday, and around 8 to 12 feet on Wednesday night.

* IMPACTS…Numerous roadways may flood and minor to moderate   property damage is possible. The tide and wave action could   result in moderate beach erosion.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… This Coastal Flood Watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of moderate coastal flooding. Be prepared to begin taking appropriate action to protect life and property. Follow the recommendations of local emergency management officials. Be sure to check the latest forecast from time to time in case a warning is issued or any new information becomes available. Visit the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service at water.weather.gov/ahps for additional water level and flood impact information for your local tide gauge.

Winter Storm Watch

URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ 336 PM EDT Mon Mar 19 2018  …A dangerous storm threatens heavy accumulations of wind driven sleet and snow which may cause widespread power outages and make travel very difficult at times… .A pair of back to back noreaster`s Tuesday and Wednesday mornings will merge into a single intense storm off the mid Atlantic coast by Wednesday afternoon and then head for Nantucket Island early Thursday. Travel plans will be substantially altered by Wednesday. Consideration should be given to no unnecessary travel Wednesday afternoon and evening when the heaviest snow with 1 to 3 inch per hour accumulation rates should occur.   …WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING… * WHAT…Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Total snow   accumulations of 4 to 7 inches, with localized amounts up to   10 inches, and ice accumulations of a light glaze are possible.  * WHERE…Portions of southern New Jersey, northeast Maryland   and central and southern Delaware.  * WHEN…From Wednesday morning through Wednesday evening.  * ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Plan on difficult travel conditions,   including during the evening commute on Wednesday. Significant   reductions in visibility are possible. Northeast to north winds   will gust 25 to 35 mph while snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per   hour develop midday Wednesday. Widespread power outages may   develop Wednesday afternoon and evening.  PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts.