Powerful Nor'easter Approaches: What Ocean City Residents Should Know

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Forecasters are warning of dangerous and significant coastal storm approaching the area, expected to have the strongest impact in Barnegat Bay and south.

Ocean City officials put out an alert regarding the impending nor'easter, which is expected to slam the shore Oct. 12 and 13.

"A powerful coastal storm will hit the region on Sunday and Monday, and forecasters predict flooding levels higher than what we saw in August with Hurricane Erin and almost as high as what we experienced during the winter storm Jonas in 2016," Mayor Jay Gillian said.

READ MORE: ‘Dangerous’ Nor'easter Threat Increases In NJ: New Details

Strong winds could send outdoor items and decorations flying, so make sure to secure any belongings.

Bayside streets, including the Simpson Avenue and Haven Avenue corridors, are often the most prone to tidal flooding.

Municipal parking lots are all free and are typically above flood levels. However, access to and from them may be limited during the peak flooding times. The roads closer to the beach, including Central and Wesley avenues, are typically at higher elevation. Parking also will be available at the Trinity United Methodist Church at 20 North Shore Road in Marmora.

"Please stay off the roads on Sunday and Monday when the streets are covered with floodwaters. It’s an extreme danger to your own safety and will almost certainly damage your own vehicle. But the wake kicked up by cars plowing down flooded streets also damages other vehicles, garage doors and your neighbors’ properties," Gillian said. "Police will be patrolling and on the lookout for violators. If you see anybody speeding down a flooded street, please call our non-emergency police number at 609-399-9111."

Updates and more information on the forecast, tide predictions and emergency preparation are always available at ocnj.us/oem and you can sign up for emergency notifications at ocnj.us/alerts.