Flooding, Heavy Rain, Wind Expected In Ocean City This Weekend

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Heavy rain, high winds and coastal flooding are expected in Ocean City this weekend, according to city officials and the National Weather Service.

The Ocean City Office of Emergency Management put out a special weather statement Friday afternoon warning residents that the remnants of Hurricane Ian would be felt Friday through Saturday.

Read More: Ian Remnants To Slam NJ This Weekend: See When, Where

"The forecast calls for as much as 2 to 5 inches of rain from Friday night through Saturday. Sustained northeast winds up to 30 mph are expected to continue through the weekend and into next week," the OEM said. "The rain and wind could contribute to flooding conditions."

Flooding conditions are expected to be similar to the storm on Sept. 6, where Ocean City saw nearly five inches of rain in a few hours.

Water levels are predicted to peak in the hours around high tide on the bay side (Ninth Street Bridge) of Ocean City at the following times:

• 12 p.m. Friday: The NWS predicts a water level of 5.3 feet on the mean low water (MLW) scale and has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory.
• 12:20 a.m. Saturday: 4.6 feet MLW forecast
• 12:55 p.m. Saturday: 5.5 feet MLW forecast
• 1:21 a.m. Sunday: 4.5 feet MLW forecast
• 1:57 p.m. Sunday: 5.9 feet MLW forecast

"Please be aware that heavy rains can cause flooding in places that do not typically experience tidal flooding," the OEM said.

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

Residents should be prepared to to move vehicles to safe places "well in advance" of the high tides, the OEM said.

Roads closer to the beach, such as Central and Wesley avenues, are typically higher in 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.

"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.