The National Weather Service has continued the Flash Flood Watch for Avalon and the entire Jersey Shore for Monday, August 7th.  The Watch remains in effect from Noon today through the evening hours.  One to two inches of rain is likely in our region, with localized flooding of four inches possible in some Jersey Shore communities.

As of 8:00am, a large area of rain extended from southern New Jersey through Virginia and is generally moving in our direction.  Showers, rain, and thunderstorms with rain heavy at times are possible throughout the day today.  The ground remains saturated from two prior heavy rain events over the past four weeks, including last Saturday’s event which dropped over five inches of rain on our region.

This rainfall could result in localized street flooding during the day.  Never attempt to drive on any flooded street as this puts you at risk, along with your vehicle.  Driving on a flooded street can cause damage to both public and private property.  First responders may not be able to reach you if your vehicle becomes stuck in flood waters.

During these heavy rain events, street flooding may occur in Avalon.  During heavy rain storms, Avalon typically receives significant street flooding in the beach blocks north of 30th Street, along all of Ocean Drive, west of Ocean Drive from 20th through 24th streets, west of Ocean Drive at 39th Street, along Dune Drive in the business district, and along the east side of Dune Drive from 33rd through 40th Streets.  It is advisable to move your vehicle off the street in advance of the heavy rain.   If your street often floods during heavy rain events, consider moving your vehicle to another section of Avalon that does not typically flood.

Be advised the Avalon Police Department may close the access road to the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge if there is wave overwash or flooding on the roadway during the rainstorm.

Avalon has developed this flood guidance map to better assist you with plans in advance of this, and any potential, flooding event:

 

 

If you have any emergency call 911.  Here is the text of the Flash Flood Watch issued by the National Weather Service:

Flash Flood Watch

Issued: 6:18 AM EDT Aug. 7, 2017 – National Weather Service

… Flash Flood Watch remains in effect from noon EDT today
through this evening…

The Flash Flood Watch continues for

* Delaware, northeastern Maryland, central and southern New
Jersey, and parts of southeastern Pennsylvania.

* From noon EDT today through this evening

* heavy rainfall of 1 to 2 inches, with locally higher amounts
of 4 or more inches are possible. Showers and thunderstorms
may become heavy at times during the afternoon and evening.
This rain will be falling in areas where the soils are already
saturated due to heavy rains in recent weeks.

* Torrential rain falling in a short period of time will result
in rapidly rising water levels along streams and creeks and in
areas of poor drainage. Significant roadway flooding is
possible.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should flash flood warnings be issued.