CMC Office of Emergency Management: Coastal Storm Warning & Preparedness Update

Cape May Court House, NJ - The Cape May County Office of Emergency Management is advising residents and visitors of a significant coastal storm forecast to impact the region from Sunday, October 12 through Monday, October 13, with increasing confidence in moderate to major coastal flooding, strong to damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous marine and beach conditions.

A Coastal Flood Watch is in effect for Atlantic coastal New Jersey, Delaware, and Delaware Bay, with moderate to major impacts increasingly likely during the high tides Sunday through Monday.

Coastal Flooding: Moderate to major tidal flooding is increasingly likely along the New Jersey and Delaware coasts and Delaware Bay during high tides Sunday through Monday, with risks of flooding, beach erosion, and dune breaching.

High Winds: Northeast wind gusts near 60 mph are possible along the coast, with 30-50 mph gusts inland, creating risks of power outages, tree damage, and hazardous travel conditions Sunday

Heavy Rain: Widespread rainfall of 1-3 inches is expected with locally higher 3-5 inch amounts, compounding tidal flooding in low-lying and poor-drainage areas over a 36-48-hour period.

Commissioner Director Len Desiderio said," County government is fully engaged with municipal partners and ready to support our partners to keep residents and visitors safe. Everyone in flood-prone areas should prepare now. With impacts expected from coastal flooding, strong winds, and heavy rainfall, it's important for all individuals to stay alert to changing conditions and check for updates from their local emergency management officials."

Christopher Leusner, Cape May County Director of Emergency Management, said," Cape May County OEM is working closely with our municipal partners and the New Jersey State Police to monitor the evolving coastal storm forecast and share updates from the National Weather Service. Please secure outdoor belongings, move vehicles from flood-prone areas during high tides this weekend, and avoid travel through flooded streets. The combination of high tides, strong onshore winds, and heavy rain could significantly impact coastal and low-lying areas, and early preparation makes all the difference. "

Public Safety Guidance

• Monitor official county and municipal updates and follow instructions from authorities.
• Move vehicles from flood prone areas to higher ground.
• Prepare an emergency kit, charge devices, and ensure multiple ways to receive alerts before conditions worsen.
• Secure outdoor furniture and loose items ahead of high winds.
• Avoid unnecessary travel during the storm and never drive through flooded roads.
• Stay inland and away from beaches, jetties, bulkheads, and inlets where high surf and rip currents will be dangerous.