The National Weather Service continues to track a difficult forecast for Stone Harbor and the entire East Coast of the United States over the next several days. Hurricane Joaquin continues to gain strength and is a threat to the eastern seaboard; in advance of Joaquin, there is unsettled weather to contend with at the Jersey Shore.

Our short term forecast includes the threat of rain, gusty winds, and the potential for coastal flooding associated with a low pressure system. Rain is expected to move back into our forecast on Thursday with periods of rain, heavy at times, with north-northeasterly winds at 20-30mph. This rain is expected to continue through Friday night with potential for a few inches of rain and possibly minor to moderate coastal flooding at time of high tide.

High tide at the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge between Avalon and Sea Isle City will occur on Thursday at 11:05am and again at 11:34pm; high tide on Friday at the bridge will occur at 12 Noon; high tide Saturday at the bridge will occur at 12:32am and again at 12:58pm. Please continue to monitor this website for updates for the potential of minor to moderate coastal flooding. Never attempt to drive on a flooded street or through a flooded intersection. Contractors should be aware to secure active construction sites shall very windy conditions develop. If you have an emergency, please dial 911.

As of Wednesday at 5:00pm, no coastal flood advisories, watches, or warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service.

The forecast is complicated by the path of Hurricane Joaquin. As of Wednesday, September 30th, at 5:00pm the hurricane is forecast to increase in strength to a Category 3 storm off the coast of the United States, and then make a turn towards the shoreline. The storm is forecast to be downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane or even a tropical storm by the time it makes landfall. The projected path of the storm has changed several times over the past 24 hours and continued changes to the path of the storm are expected from forecasters. Many current models put this storm close to or over the outer banks of North Carolina Sunday afternoon

It is important for you to be aware of the short term forecast involving our rain/wind/potential for flooding through the early part of the weekend, and also to be aware of the path of this hurricane which poses a threat to the eastern seaboard. The Stone Harbor Office of Emergency Management continues to work with the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management and our emergency partners to prepare for the potential for bad weather over the next five days or so.

Continue to monitor traditional media outlets for the latest information, and www.avalonemergency.org. If you have any emergency, dial 911. Never attempt to drive on any flooded street or intersection. Please observe all instructions provided to you by emergency management officials.