The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Warning for barrier island communities in Cape May County for Monday, January 23rd, 2017 at 2:00pm through Tuesday, January 24th, 2017 at 11:00am.  The High Wind Warning remains in effect for our region on Monday, January 23rd, until 4:00pm.

A coastal storm has battered the southern New Jersey coastline with strong winds and occasional rain since the early morning hours.  Strong winds are expected to continue through the afternoon.  The winds have caused some of the high tide water to remain in the back bays which contributes to the Coastal Flood Warning.  Moderate coastal flooding is anticipated at times of high tide late Monday afternoon, and again on Tuesday morning.

High tide will occur at the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge between Avalon and Sea Isle City Monday at 4:54pm, and again on Tuesday at 5:24am and at 5:42pm.  Moderate flooding is expected at time of high tide.

If you live in an area of Avalon that typically floods during coastal flooding events, consider moving your vehicle to higher ground.  Never attempt to drive through any flooded intersection or any flooded street as this puts you and your vehicle in danger; it also creates an unnecessary wake in the roadway that could damage private and public property.  If you have any emergency, dial 911.

Strong winds are expected to subside sometime this evening.  Intermittent power outages have been experienced throughout southern New Jersey due to the winds and the impact on utility lines.  If you experience a power outage, contact Atlantic City Electric directly at 1-800-833-7476.

The Cape May County Office of Emergency Management and the Avalon Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor this storm event.  Continue to follow this website and traditional media outlets for updated weather information.

Here is the text of the Coastal Flood Warning and the High Wind Warning posted by the National Weather Service:

Coastal Flood Warning, Coastal Flood Advisory

Issued: 12:15 PM EST Jan. 23, 2017 – National Weather Service
Coastal Flood Advisory now in effect until 2 PM EST this
afternoon…
… Coastal Flood Warning in effect from 2 PM this afternoon
through 11 am EST Tuesday morning…

The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a coastal
Flood Warning… which is in effect from 2 PM this afternoon to
11 am EST Tuesday morning.

* Location… southern New Jersey and Delaware coastal areas as
well as lower delware Bay communities.

* Coastal flooding… areas of moderate flooding is anticipated with
the high tide late this afternoon into this evening and once again
on Tuesday morning.

* Timing… high tide on the oceanfront occurs between 4:45 PM and
5:45 PM this afternoon and between 5:10 am and 6:10 am Tuesday
morning. High tide on lower Delware Bay occurs later than the
high tide on the oceanfront.

* Surge… around 3 to 4 feet above the astronomical tide late this
afternoon and evening and again Tuesday morning. Highest tidal
anomalies on lower Delaware Bay are expected to be on the
Delaware side.

* Waves… wave heights in the nearshore waters are forecast to
build to 12 to 18 feet and up to 20 feet this evening. Waves on
the lower Delware Bay will build to 7 feet.

* Impacts… numerous roadways will flood and minor to moderate
property damage is likely late this afternoon and evening and once
again Tuesday morning. Tidal flooding may be compounded by heavy
rain. Also… the combination of very strong onshore winds and
battering waves will lead to significant beach erosion.

* Outlook… with winds becoming offshore on Tuesday, tidal
departures will diminish during the day on Tuesday decreasing the
threat of tidal flooding Tuesday afternoon and evening.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

A coastal Flood Warning means that flooding is expected. Coastal
residents in the warned area should be alert for rising water… and
take appropriate action to protect life and property.

Do not leave your vehicle at a location that is prone to tidal
flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flood waters. The
water may be deeper than you think it is. You will be putting
yourself in danger and your vehicle may be damaged… leading to
costly repairs.

For a list of the impact of different tide heights in your County
please go to www.Weather.Gov/phi/tides

Forecast              time of              predicted
location              high Tide            Water level

Cape May              4:54 PM Mon          7.5 to 8.0 feet MLLW
New Jersey            5:24 am Tue          7.5 to 8.0 feet MLLW
(oceanfront)

Lewes                 5:30 PM Mon          7.0 to 7.5 feet MLLW
Delaware              6:02 am Tue          7.0 to 7.5 feet MLLW
(Delaware bay)

Rehoboth Beach        4:24 PM Mon          7.0 to 7.5 feet MLLW
Delaware              5:01 am Tue          7.0 to 7.5 feet MLLW
(oceanfront)

High Wind Warning

Issued: 10:34 AM EST Jan. 23, 2017 – National Weather Service
… High Wind Warning remains in effect until 4 PM EST this
afternoon…

* locations… coastal southern New Jersey.

* Winds… east 25 to 35 mph with gusts around 60 mph.

* Timing… the strongest winds are expected to occur now through
mid afternoon.

* Wind impacts… damaging winds will blow down trees and power
lines. Scattered to numerous power outages are expected.
Travel will be difficult… especially for high profile
vehicles.

* Situational awareness… strongest wind gusts as of 10 am have
been 50 to around 60 mph along the New Jersey and Delaware
coasts with reports of tree limbs down and isolated power\
outages.