The National Weather Service has posted a Coastal Flood Advisory for the Borough of Stone Harbor and surrounding communities. The advisory is now in effect until Friday, October 11th, at 5:00pm. A coastal storm developed overnight and came close to the coastline of New Jersey. Heavy rain fell during the overnight hours and caused some minor street flooding and scattered power outages throughout Cape May County. The storm is still expected to bring rain, heavy at times, to our area throughout the day on Thursday. If rain is falling heavy during time of high tide this afternoon, some widespread minor street flooding may occur. Please exercise caution while driving over the next few days. Never attempt to drive through puddles or standing water. If you have an emergency, please dial 911. Strong winds may accompany this storm at times over the next few days. If you have any loose objects outside of your home, including trash cans, please secure them.
One traffic note: The Avalon Police Department continues to close Ocean Drive towards the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge due to wave overwash onto the roadway. Please take an alternate route.
High tides: High tide is forecast at the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge between Avalon and Sea Isle City on Thursday at 12:37pm, and again on Friday at 1:08am and 1:42pm. High tide is forecast at Stone Harbor/Great Channel on Thursday at 1:04pm, and again on Friday at 1:35am and 2:09pm. The Thursday midday high tide may bring the most severe flooding to our region during this coastal storm event.
Please pay attention to traditional media outlets throughout this storm.
Here is the text of the Coastal Flood Advisory issued by the National Weather Service:
Coastal Flood Advisory now in effect from 11 am this morning to 5 PM EDT Friday…
* location… the New Jersey and Delaware coasts… as well as the lower Delaware Bay.
* Coastal flooding… widespread minor tidal flooding is forecast during the Thursday afternoon high tide cycle. There is still a small chance for pockets of moderate coastal flooding but the most likely outcome for Thursday afternoon is a minor event. Any heavy rain that might occur near the time of high tide would contribute to the flooding.
* High surf with incoming easterly swells of 6 to 9 feet will probably result in beach erosion.
* Timing… high tide along the New Jersey and Delaware ocean front occurs between noon and 130 PM Thursday. High tide on the back bays and along Delaware Bay occurs later than the high tide along the ocean front.
* Impacts… widespread roadway flooding is forecast with the Thursday afternoon high tide… with areas of heavy rain contributing to the problem.
* Outlook… minor tidal flooding is also possible during the second half of the day high tide cycle on Friday. The coastal Flood Advisory has therefore been extended through a good portion of Friday afternoon. Minor tidal flooding might also occur on Saturday and Sunday.
Precautionary/preparedness actions…
A coastal Flood Advisory indicates that minor tidal flooding is anticipated. Minor tidal flooding often results in some Road closures. Usually… the most vulnerable roadways will flood.
Do not leave your vehicle at a location that is prone to tidal flooding. 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.
