Moderate Coastal Flooding In Store For Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, NJ — A full moon and strong northeast winds up to 35 mph will combine to create moderate coastal flooding in Ocean City, according to the Office of Emergency Management.

The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Warning for Ocean City, Strathmere and nearby areas through 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Water levels are predicted to crest in the hours around high tide on the bay side (Ninth Street Bridge) of Ocean City at 9:31 p.m. Monday. High tide on the bay side of Strathmere near Corson’s Inlet is at 9:17 p.m. Monday. The NWS predicts a water level of 6.5 feet on the mean low water scale (MLW). By comparison, the peak water level last month (Feb. 13, 2024) during new moon tides reached 6.21 feet MLW, and the water level reached 5.01 feet MLW on Monday morning.

Compare this to other tide levels here. The typical high tide in Ocean City is between three and five feet.

Three other high tide cycles on Monday and Tuesday should reach flood stage:

• 9:44 a.m. Tuesday: 6.5 feet MLW
• 10:03 p.m. Tuesday: 6 feet MLW

City officials say residents should be prepared to move vehicles to safe places in advance of the high tides.

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 Road 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