Alerts have been expanded along the New Jersey coast ahead of the weekend nor'easter. A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect from 4 p.m. Wednesday to 2 a.m. Saturday for Cape May, Atlantic, Ocean and southeastern Burlington counties, while advisories have been issued for Salem, Monmouth, Middlesex and other counties. A wind advisory is in effect for the Jersey Shore until 8 p.m. Thursday, with gusts of up to 50 mph forecast. Saturday is a full moon, so flooding at high tide could be worse.
Weather alerts for the New Jersey coast have been expanded ahead of the weekend nor'easter. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Coastal Flood Warning for Cape May, Atlantic, Ocean and southeastern Burlington counties from 4 p.m. Wednesday to 2 a.m. Saturday.
A Coastal Flood Advisory has been issued for Salem, Monmouth, Middlesex, Gloucester, Camden, Cumberland and northwestern Burlington counties. A wind advisory is in effect for the Jersey Shore until 8 p.m. Thursday.
Winds of 25 to 35 mph, Gusts of Up to 50 mph… Saturday's Full Moon a Factor
Forecast winds are 25 to 35 mph, with peak gusts reaching 50 mph. The weather service warned that tidal flooding could continue through the weekend and that damage could be worse in some areas. Barnegat Bay was specifically singled out because Saturday's full moon will push high-tide water levels higher than usual.
If the low-pressure system moves off to the northeast, damage will be limited to the coast, but if it tracks up close to the shore, its impact will extend farther inland. Either way, coastal flooding, high waves and strong winds are expected to continue through at least Saturday and move away from New Jersey on Sunday.
Residents of low-lying coastal areas should prepare for road flooding during high tide and park vehicles away from spots where water collects. Secure yard items that could be blown away, and it is safer to charge phones and portable batteries in case of power outages. Beach walks, fishing and boating are best avoided this weekend.