The National Weather Service has now issued a Coastal Flood Warning for the Borough of Stone Harbor and surrounding communities. The flood warning is now in effect until 5:00pm on Thursday, October 10th. There is the liklihood of widespread minor coastal flooding with the potential for moderate coastal flooding in flood prone areas. Residents who live in areas that typically flood are advised to move their vehicles out of the street and away from flood prone areas.
A persistent coastal storm will continue to bring gusty winds, rain, and coastal flooding to our region today. The storm has caused some power outages in our community during the morning hours and ponding of water in some streets has occured. If the early afternoon high tide event coincides with heavy rainfall, flooding issues could become aggravated. Beach erosion has also been experienced in some coastal communities.
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.
Here is the text of the Coastal Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service:
Coastal Flood Warning in effect until 5 PM EDT this afternoon…
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a coastal Flood Warning… which is in effect until 5 PM EDT this afternoon. The coastal Flood Advisory is no longer in effect.
* Location… the southern New Jersey and Delaware coasts… as well as the lower Delaware Bay.
* Coastal flooding… moderate coastal flooding is anticipated around this afternoon’s high tide.
* At Cape May, New Jersey (oceanfront), high tide occurs at 114 PM, with a forecast tide level of 7.5 to 8.0 feet above mean lower low water.
* High tide on the back bays and along the Delaware Bay occurs later than the high tide on the oceanfront.
* Seas… wave heights on the ocean waters will be 6 to 10 feet. Wave heights on the Delaware Bay will be 3 to 6 feet.
* Impacts… numerous roadways will flood and minor to moderate property damage is possible. The Tides and wave action will result in moderate beach erosion. Heavy rain may also fall around the time of high tide adding to the increase in water levels. A majority of the moderate flooding will take place in and along the Delaware Bay.
* Outlook… minor tidal flooding is also possible during the second half of the day high tide cycle on Friday. Minor tidal flooding might also occur on Saturday and Sunday.
Precautionary/preparedness actions…
A coastal Flood Warning indicates that moderate or major tidal flooding is imminent or occurring. 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. You will be putting yourself in danger and your vehicle may be damaged… leading to costly repairs.