The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Warning for the Borough of Stone Harbor for Saturday evening, September 8th.  The Warning is in effect in advance of high tide which will occur at the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge at 7:45pm.  Salt water inundation is possible at time of high tide which will cause some street flooding in low lying areas.  This is expected to be the first of various flood advisories, watches, and warnings that may be issued this week along the Jersey Shore.

Please exercise caution while driving.  Never attempt to drive on any flooded street or through any flooded intersection as this puts you and your vehicle at risk, and may cause a wake that can damage property. If you have any emergency, dial 911.

Be advised that the roadway leading to the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge was closed late afternoon by Avalon Police due to unsafe travel conditions.  The Bridge itself will be closed for the duration of the fall and winter months, starting September 17th, 2018.

The National Weather Service has also issued a High Surf Advisory from Sunday morning through Monday morning.  A Coastal Flood Watch is in effect from Sunday evening through late Sunday night. There is a high risk for rip currents in the ocean.

Here is the text of the Coastal Flood Warning courtesy of the National Weather Service:

 Coastal Flood Warning

Coastal Hazard Message National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ 449 PM EDT Sat Sep 8 2018

Atlantic Coastal Cape May- 449 PM EDT Sat Sep 8 2018

…HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE SUNDAY NIGHT… …COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING… …HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM SUNDAY TO 6 AM EDT MONDAY… …COASTAL FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY EVENING THROUGH LATE SUNDAY NIGHT…

The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a Coastal Flood Warning, which is in effect until 11 PM EDT this evening. A High Surf Advisory has also been issued. This High Surf Advisory is in effect from 11 AM Sunday to 6 AM EDT Monday. In addition, a Coastal Flood Watch has been issued. This Coastal Flood Watch is in effect from Sunday evening through late Sunday night. The Coastal Flood Watch is no longer in effect.

* LOCATIONS…Coastal portions of Atlantic and Cape May counties.  * TIMING…High tide occurs between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm this  evening. High tide on the back bays occurs later than the high   tide on the oceanfront. There will be several rounds of coastal   flooding beyond tonight. The high risk for rip currents may need   to be extended through early next week.

* COASTAL FLOOD IMPACTS…Two to three feet of saltwater   inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas   near shorelines and tidal waterways. Flooding is expected to be  severe enough to cause widespread flooding of roadways.   Vulnerable homes and businesses may be damaged as water levels   rise further. The flood waters are a danger to anyone who  attempts to cross on foot or in a vehicle.  * WAVES…Building to 6 to 8 feet.

* RIP CURRENT RISK…High. * SURF ZONE IMPACTS…Up to 8 foot breaking waves will be   dangerous to anyone who enters the surf. Very strong rip   currents will be life threatening to anyone who enters the surf.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…  A Coastal Flood Warning means that moderate or major tidal flooding is occurring or imminent. be prepared for rising water levels and take appropriate action to protect life and property. Follow the recommendations of local emergency management officials.  Do not drive your vehicle through flood waters. The water may be deeper than you think it is. You will be putting yourself in danger and your vehicle may be damaged…leading to costly repairs.  A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area…producing localized beach erosion and dangerous swimming conditions. A Coastal Flood Watch means that conditions favorable for flooding are expected to develop.  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.  Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.