'Significant' Coastal Flooding Expected In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Expect "significant" flooding and strong winds Monday night through Tuesday as a winter storm lashes the area.

While those up north face a foot of snow, Ocean City will likely only see rain. However, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Coastal Flood Warning through 3 a.m. Wednesday ahead of the storm.

"With a strong coastal storm passing by overnight Monday and into Tuesday, there is a possibility of significant coastal flooding impacts through two high tides on Tuesday," the Ocean City Office of Emergency Management said. "Water levels are expected to exceed what Ocean City has experienced in the past week when a series of Coast Flood 'Advisories' were issued."

According to the OEM:

Water levels are predicted to crest in the hours around high tide on the bay side (Ninth Street Bridge) of Ocean City at 10:46 a.m. Tuesday. High tide on the bay side of Strathmere near Corson's Inlet is at 10:27 a.m. Tuesday. The NWS predicts a water level of 6.5 feet on the mean low water scale (MLW) for Tuesday morning. By comparison, the water level reached 5.77 feet MLW on Saturday morning, 5.72 feet MLW on Sunday morning, and 5.43 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.

The NWS also predicts the following water levels:

• 10:22 p.m. Monday: 5.4 feet MLW
• 11:14 p.m. Tuesday: 6.1 feet MLW

A Wind Advisory also will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday with north winds of 25 to 35 mph gusting to 45 mph.

Residents should secure loose outdoor items.

"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.