The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning, a Coastal Flood Warning, and a Wind Advisory for the Borough. The Winter Storm Warning is in effect from Tuesday, March 20th from 6:00pm until Thursday, March 22nd, at 2:00am; the Coastal Flood Warning is in effect from Tuesday, March 20th at 8:00pm through Thursday, March 22nd, at 5:00am; and the Wind Advisory is in effect on Tuesday, March 20th until 6:00pm.
Two winter storms will combine into one storm and create a nor’easter that will be adjacent to the New Jersey coastline. The storm event is expected to produce several inches of snow for our region, windy conditions, as well as moderate coastal flooding during the two high tide events on Wednesday, and the potential for minor coastal flooding this evening.
Travel is expected to be difficult during this storm event as most of the snow is expected to occur on Wednesday afternoon into the evening hours. Snow on the roadways may also make it more difficult to drive during high tide on flood prone streets as the snow may cover some of the street flooding.
High tide at the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge between Avalon and Sea Isle city will occur 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. Never attempt to drive on any street that is flooded as this puts you and your vehicle at risk. If you live on a flood prone street in our community move your vehicle onto your driveway or consider moving your vehicle to another section of our Borough that typically does not flood, especially during the high tide events on Wednesday. It is possible the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge may need to be closed due to unsafe conditions on the approach roads.
Now is the time to secure outdoor objects that are prone to strong winds including trash cans and patio furniture. Contractors should secure all construction sites. If you have a power outage during the storm, please contact Atlantic City Electric at 1-800-833-7476. Never attempt to pick up or drive over any utility wires. If you have an emergency, dial 911.
The Borough will remain in contact with the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management, the New Jersey State Police, and the National Weather Service for the duration of this storm event. Continue to follow updates from traditional media outlets, and on this web page for community updates.
Here is the text of the warnings and advisory issued on Tuesday, March 20th from the National Weather Service:
Winter Storm Warning
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ 441 AM EDT Tue Mar 20 2018 …A Major Coastal Storm with Significant Impacts… .A pair of low pressure systems today will consolidate into one major Nor`easter later tonight and Wednesday. This is expected to bring significant impacts to our region, starting with areas of mixed precipitation today and tonight, then significant snowfall during Wednesday. Consideration should be given to no unnecessary travel Wednesday afternoon and evening when the heaviest snow with hourly accumulation rates of 1 to 3 inches should occur
WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 2 AM EDT THURSDAY…
* WHAT…Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of 4 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 6 PM this evening to 2 AM EDT Thursday. Rain develops northward this morning and mixes with wet snow and sleet for some areas through tonight, then changes to all snow Wednesday morning and becomes heavy at times. The snow tapers off 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 30 to 45 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 Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet and ice will make travel very hazardous or impossible. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
Coastal Flood Warning
COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO 5 AM EDT THURSDAY… The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a Coastal Flood Warning, which is in effect from 8:00 PM this evening until 5:00 AM Thursday. The Coastal Flood Watch is no longer in effect.
* LOCATIONS…Coastal areas of Cape May County and Cumberland County in New Jersey, and Sussex County and Kent County in Delaware.
* COASTAL FLOODING…Minor flooding is forecast with tonight`s high tide. Moderate flooding is expected 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 and Delaware oceanfront occurs between 10:15 PM and 11:15 PM tonight, 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 on Delaware Bay occurs later than the high tide on the oceanfront. * SURGE…Around 1.5 to 2.0 feet tonight, and around 2.5 to 3.0 feet on Wednesday and Wednesday night.
* WAVES…Around 12 to 18 feet off the coast tonight and Wednesday, and around 6 to 12 feet on Wednesday night.
* IMPACTS…Numerous roadways will flood and minor to moderate property damage is possible. The tide and wave action is expected to result in moderate beach erosion.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… This Coastal Flood Warning means that moderate tidal flooding is 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.
Wind Advisory
WIND ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM EDT THIS EVENING…
* WINDS…Northeast 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.
* TIMING…Winds increase this morning and remain gusty into early this evening.
* IMPACTS…Strong winds may blow down limbs, trees, and power lines. Scattered power outages are expected.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A Wind Advisory means that very windy conditions are expected. Winds this strong can make driving difficult…especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. Light-weight outdoor objects such as patio furniture and garbage cans should be secured.