Moderate Coastal Flooding Anticipated Friday In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, NJ — A Coastal Flood Advisory and Wind Advisory have been issued for Ocean City by the National Weather Service.

The Coastal Advisory for Ocean City, Strathmere and nearby coastal areas is in effect from 4 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday (Dec. 23).

The Wind Advisory is in effect from 10 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 22) through 7 p.m. Friday (Dec. 23).

"A new moon tide, heavy rain and southerly winds gusting beyond 50 mph will combine to cause tidal flooding approaching the 'moderate' category on Friday morning," the Ocean City Office of Emergency Management said Thursday.

Water levels are predicted to crest in the hours around high tide on the bay side (Ninth Street Bridge) of Ocean City at 7:43 a.m. Friday, officials said.

High tide on the bay side of Strathmere near Corson’s Inlet is at 7:18 a.m. Friday.

The NWS predicts a water level of 6.2 feet on the mean low water scale (MLW). When Hurricane Ian's remnants passed through on Oct. 3, the peak water level reached 6.53 feet MLW.

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

"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.

Residents are also asked to secure or bring in loose outdoor items.

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.

Here is the forecast for Ocean City, per AccuWeather:

Thursday Afternoon: Breezy with periods of rain

Thursday Evening: Very windy with rain and a thunderstorm

Friday Morning: Very windy with rain

Friday Afternoon: Cloudy and very windy with a little rain

Friday Evening: Mostly cloudy, windy and very cold