The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Watch for Stone Harbor and surrounding communities for this evening’s high tide event.  The Watch is in effect on Saturday, September 8th, from 5:00pm through this evening.  There is a potential for coastal flooding caused by a low pressure front that is expected to bring rain throughout the weekend; there is also a high risk for rip currents as a result of this front, and from Hurricane Florence which continues to move towards the United States in the Atlantic Ocean.  There is the chance for repeated flood advisories and watches throughout the week as a result of these weather factors.

High tide will occur at the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge at 7:45pm.  Some street flooding may occur in the vicinity of high tide.  Often during events like this the road to the bridge must be closed for safety reasons; as a reminder, the bridge will close for the winter for scheduled repairs on Monday, September 17th.

Never attempt to drive on any street that is flooded as this puts you and your vehicle at risk. Driving on a flooded street also creates a wake that can damage private and public property.  If you have any emergency, dial 911.

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

Coastal Flood Watch

Coastal Hazard Message National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ 531 AM EDT Sat Sep 8 2018  NJZ024-082300- /O.NEW.KPHI.CF.A.0004.180908T2100Z-180909T0300Z/ /O.CON.KPHI.RP.S.0008.180908T1200Z-180909T0200Z/ Atlantic Coastal Cape May- 531 AM EDT Sat Sep 8 2018

 

…HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING…

 

…COASTAL FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH THIS EVENING…

 

The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a Coastal Flood Watch, which is in effect from 5 PM EDT this afternoon through this evening.

 

* LOCATIONS…Coastal portions of Atlantic and Cape May counties.  * TIMING…High tide occurs between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm this  evening. High tide on the back bays and on Raritan Bay occurs   later than the high tide on the oceanfront. Coastal Flood   Advisory and the high risk for rip currents are in effect  through tonight. 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…One to two feet of saltwater inundation   above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near  shorelines and tidal waterways. At this level, widespread   flooding of roadways is expected with many roads becoming   impassable. Lives may be at risk when people put themselves in  harm`s way. Some damage to vulnerable structures may begin to   occur.

 

* RIP CURRENT RISK…High.

 

* WAVES…Building to 4 to 7 feet in the surf zone.  * TIDES…Low tide will occur in the early afternoon. High tide   occurs this evening.

 

  • SURF ZONE IMPACTS…Very strong rip currents will be life threatening to anyone who enters the surf.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…  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