NWS Update: Flooding Expected Along With High Tides

The National Weather Service is predicting that a nor'easter impacting New Jersey could cause minor to moderate flooding along coastal areas with the possibility of dune breaches and property damage to already vulnerable structures.

According to a recent update from the NWS, the winter storm, which will bring heavy sustained winds and wind gusts and rain and snow through Thursday and into early Friday morning, will close roads, cause beach erosion, and present a particularly significant threat to beaches and shore communities already compromised following Hurricane Sandy. 

The storm's target areas include much of the coast, including Eastern Monmouth County, Ocean County, Coastal Ocean County, Coastal Atlantic County, Middlesex County, as well as Western Monmouth, Atlantic, Cumberland, and Southeastern Burlington Counties.

Widespread minor flooding with possible moderal flooding is expected to accompany high tide Wednesday afternoon and could turn in to spotty major flooding during early Thursday morning high tides.

Flooding is expected along the Atlantic Ocean as well as adjacent back bays like Barnegat and Raritan Bays, as well as tidal tributaries, the NWS said.

Wednesday afternoon's high tides will occur between about 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. along the coast. Tide levels of around 7 feet higher than mean low water level are expected.

The following is high tide information for both Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning provided by the NWS for several coastal areas, including Sandy Hook in Monmouth County, Seaside Heights in Ocean County, and Atlantic City in Atlantic County:

• At Sandy Hook. New Jersey, high tide will occur at 2:58 p.m. Wednesday with a forecast Tide level of around 7.5 feet above mean lower low water. High Tide will then occur at 3:31 a.m. Thursday with a forecast Tide level of 8.0 to 8.5 feet above mean lower low water.
• At Seaside Heights. New Jersey, high tide will occur at 2:28 p.m. Wednesday with a forecast Tide level of around 7.0 feet above mean lower low water. High Tide will then occur at 3:01 a.m. Thursday with a forecast Tide level of around 7.5 feet above mean lower low water.
• At Atlantic City. New Jersey, high tide will occur at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday with a forecast Tide level of 6.5 to 7.0 feet above mean lower low water. High Tide will then occur at 3:20 a.m. Thursday with a forecast Tide level of 7.5 to 8.0 feet above mean lower low water.
• High Tides on the back bays including Barnegat Bay. Tidal tributaries and on Delaware Bay occur later than the high tide on the Oceanfront.

Voluntary evacuations have already been ordered in several low-lying communities, including those along the barrier island, in Point Pleasant Borough, and Toms River, among others.