The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Warning for barrier island communities in Cape May County for Monday, January 23rd, 2017 at 2:00pm through Tuesday, January 24th, 2017 at 11:00am. The High Wind Warning remains in effect for our region on Monday, January 23rd, until 4:00pm.

A coastal storm has battered the southern New Jersey coastline with strong winds and occasional rain since the early morning hours. Strong winds are expected to continue through the afternoon. The winds have caused some of the high tide water to remain in the back bays which contributes to the Coastal Flood Warning. Moderate coastal flooding is anticipated at times of high tide late Monday afternoon, and again on Tuesday morning.

High tide will occur at the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge between Avalon and Sea Isle City Monday at 4:54pm, and again on Tuesday at 5:24am and at 5:42pm. Moderate flooding is expected at time of high tide.

If you live in an area of Stone Harbor that typically floods during coastal flooding events, consider moving your vehicle to higher ground. Never attempt to drive through any flooded intersection or any flooded street as this puts you and your vehicle in danger; it also creates an unnecessary wake in the roadway that could damage private and public property. If you have any emergency, dial 911.

Strong winds are expected to subside sometime this evening. Intermittent power outages have been experienced throughout southern New Jersey due to the winds and the impact on utility lines. If you experience a power outage, contact Atlantic City Electric directly at 1-800-833-7476.

The Cape May County Office of Emergency Management and the Stone Harbor Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor this storm event. Continue to follow this website and traditional media outlets for updated weather information.

Here is the text of the Coastal Flood Warning and the High Wind Warning posted by the National Weather Service:

Coastal Flood Warning
Issued: 3:06 PM EST Jan. 23, 2017 – National Weather Service

… Coastal Flood Warning remains in effect until 11 am EST
Tuesday…

* location… coastal areas of New Jersey and Delaware including
Delaware Bay.

* Coastal flooding… areas of moderate flooding are anticipated
with the high tide late this afternoon into this evening and
once again on Tuesday morning.

* Timing… high tide on the New Jersey and Delaware oceanfront
occurs between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM this afternoon and between
4:30 am and 5:30 am on Tuesday morning. High tide on the back
bays… along Raritan Bay and along Delaware Bay occurs later
than the high tide on the oceanfront.

* Surge… around 3 to 4 feet above the astronomical tide late this
afternoon and evening and possibly around 3 feet on Tuesday
morning.

* Waves… around 15 to 20 feet off the coasts of New Jersey and
Delaware… and up to 3 to 7 feet on Delaware Bay.

* Impacts… numerous roadways will flood and minor property damage
is possible. Tidal flooding may be compounded by moderate to heavy
rain. Also… the combination of very strong onshore winds and
battering waves will lead to significant beach erosion.

* Outlook… with winds becoming offshore on Tuesday, the surge
will diminish during the day on Tuesday decreasing the threat of
additional tidal flooding for Tuesday afternoon and evening.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

A coastal Flood Warning means that flooding is expected. Coastal
residents in the warned area should be alert for rising water…
and take appropriate action to protect life and property.

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.

For a list of the impact of different tide heights in your County
please go to www.Weather.Gov/phi/tides
Forecast time of predicted
location high Tide Water level

Sandy Hook 4:36 PM Mon 7.5 to 8.0 feet MLLW
New Jersey 5:04 am Tue 7.5 to 8.0 feet MLLW
(sandy hook bay)

Seaside Heights 4:06 PM Mon near 7.0 feet MLLW
New Jersey 4:34 am Tue near 7.0 feet MLLW
(oceanfront)

Atlantic City 4:20 PM Mon near 7.0 feet MLLW
New Jersey 4:50 am Tue near 7.0 feet MLLW
(oceanfront)

Cape May 4:54 PM Mon 7.5 to 8.0 feet MLLW
New Jersey 5:24 am Tue 7.5 to 8.0 feet MLLW
(oceanfront)

Lewes 5:30 PM Mon 7.0 to 7.5 feet MLLW
Delaware 6:02 am Tue 7.0 to 7.5 feet MLLW
(delaware bay)

Rehoboth Beach 4:24 PM Mon 7.0 to 7.5 feet MLLW
Delaware 5:01 am Tue 7.0 to 7.5 feet MLLW
(oceanfront)
High Wind Warning
Issued: 2:59 PM EST Jan. 23, 2017 – National Weather Service

… High Wind Warning now in effect until midnight EST tonight…

* winds… northeast 25 to 35 mph with gusts 60 to 65 mph.

* Timing… the strongest winds are expected to occur through early
this evening, then gradually diminish thereafter.

* Impacts… damaging winds will down trees and power
lines… resulting in power outages. Some structural damage is
possible. Travel will be difficult… especially for high profile
vehicles. The strongest winds tend to be on elevated surfaces
such as bridges and overpasses.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is occurring.
Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph or
more can lead to property damage.