Coastal Flood Advisory In Effect For Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, NJ — A coastal flood advisory has been issued for Ocean City, Strathmere and nearby coastal area through 10 p.m. on May 4, according to the National Weather Service.

The advisory is in effect as of 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

An approaching full moon, light rain and light wind may combine to create flooding condition, the Ocean City Office of Emergency Management said.

Water levels are predicted to peak in the hours around high tide on the bay side (Ninth Street Bridge) of Ocean City at 8:24 p.m. Thursday. High tide on the bay side of Strathmere near Corson’s Inlet is at 8:05 p.m. Thursday.

The National Weather Service predicts a water level of 5.5 feet on the mean low water (MLW) scale, which falls in the NWS range for “minor” coastal flooding. Visit www.ocnj.us/octides to compare this prediction to other recent and historic tide levels.

The typical high tide in Ocean City is between three and five feet.

With a full-moon tide on Friday, water levels are currently predicted to hit 5.6 feet at 9:02 p.m. then and another advisory may be issued, officials said.

"For your safety and the protection of your vehicle and neighboring properties, never attempt to drive through flood waters, and do not drive around barricades," the OEM said.

For those who need to move vehicles, parking at all municipal lots will be free, but access may be limited during peak tides. Roads closer to the beach, such as Wesley and Central avenues, are typically at higher elevation.

Parking is also available at Trinity United Methodist Church at 20 North Shore Rd in Marmora, though residents are asked to watch out for people and to park away from the Nursery School entrance and church building.