Atlantic City offers free garage parking as officials warn of repeated high-tide flooding. Dangerous surf, strong winds and potential power outages threaten communities throughout Atlantic and Cape May counties.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — A prolonged nor’easter is threatening the South Jersey coastline with strong winds, dangerous surf and repeated rounds of coastal flooding, prompting Atlantic City officials to offer free parking for residents who need to move their vehicles to higher ground.
The storm is expected to affect communities throughout Atlantic and Cape May counties into the weekend, with coastal flooding, beach erosion, difficult travel conditions and the possibility of downed trees and power outages.
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. joined public safety and emergency management officials Thursday afternoon in urging residents and visitors to prepare for a storm that could produce flooding over multiple high-tide cycles.
“This storm could linger and make flooding even worse for the city,” Small said. “We highly encourage people to move their vehicles to higher ground.”
The city is offering free parking at the Wave Garage, located at Mississippi and Fairmount avenues, through at least 1 p.m. Saturday. Officials said they will evaluate conditions and extend the free parking period if necessary.
Flooding Could Continue Through Saturday
Atlantic City Fire Chief and Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Scott Evans said the city expects at least five high-tide cycles beginning Thursday evening as the storm moves through the region.
“Residents should take the warning seriously and prepare now,” Evans said. “Coastal flooding conditions can change quickly, especially as repeated high tides compound the impacts of the storm.”
The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood warning for Atlantic and Cape May counties through 2 p.m. Saturday.
Forecasters warn that low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways could experience one to two feet of inundation above ground level.
Widespread roadway flooding is possible in coastal and bayside communities, with some roads becoming impassable during high tides. Flooding could also affect vulnerable structures.
The prolonged nature of the storm is a particular concern because persistent onshore winds can prevent water from fully draining between successive high tides, allowing flooding to worsen even without exceptionally heavy rainfall.
Strongest Winds Expected Friday Night Into Saturday
The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for coastal portions of Atlantic and Cape May counties beginning Friday evening and continuing into the weekend.
The storm could produce wind gusts approaching 60 mph along portions of the coastline, raising concerns about downed trees, damaged property, scattered power outages and hazardous driving conditions.
Friday's weather may initially be relatively dry, but winds are expected to strengthen as the coastal storm intensifies.
The National Weather Service's early Friday marine forecast called for northerly winds of approximately 25 to 30 knots, with gusts reaching 45 knots over Atlantic City's coastal waters Friday night and Saturday.
Seas offshore are forecast to reach approximately 9 to 10 feet, creating hazardous conditions for boaters and increasing the potential for coastal erosion.
Dangerous Surf and Beach Erosion Along the Shore
The storm is also expected to produce dangerous conditions along beaches throughout Atlantic and Cape May counties.
A high surf advisory remains in effect through Saturday evening, with the National Weather Service warning of breaking waves reaching up to 12 feet in the surf zone.
A high risk of dangerous rip currents is also expected to continue through Saturday evening.
The combination of elevated water levels, persistent winds and powerful waves could accelerate beach erosion in communities including Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate, Longport, Brigantine, Ocean City, Sea Isle City, the Wildwoods and Cape May.
Residents and visitors are urged to stay out of the ocean and avoid walking near breaking waves, particularly along jetties, rock barriers and other exposed coastal structures.
Atlantic City Officials Urge Residents to Prepare
Atlantic City Police Chief James Sarkos said the city is preparing to respond to flooding and other emergencies throughout the storm.
“Police your neighborhoods and help those around you,” Sarkos said. “We will have adequate staffing of police officers on the streets to address issues as they arise. Together with Public Works and Health and Human Services, we have the resources needed to respond safely to this event.”
Sarkos encouraged residents to check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance.
Assistant Public Works Director Ahmid Abdullah Sr. also urged residents to secure trash cans and move them to higher ground to prevent debris from entering floodwaters.
“If trash cans float down the street, loose trash can be left behind when floodwaters recede,” Abdullah said. “That debris can clog sewer systems and create additional problems during and after the storm.”
City officials emphasized that residents should move their vehicles before flooding begins rather than waiting until streets are already underwater.
Motorists should never attempt to drive through flooded roadways because water depth and underlying road conditions may be difficult to determine.
What Residents Should Know Before the Storm
Residents and visitors throughout Atlantic and Cape May counties should prepare for the possibility of repeated flooding and strong winds through the weekend.
Those in flood-prone neighborhoods should move vehicles to higher ground before the next high tide. Atlantic City residents can use the Wave Garage at Mississippi and Fairmount avenues free of charge through at least 1 p.m. Saturday.
Outdoor furniture, trash cans and other loose objects should be secured before winds intensify.
Residents should also charge phones and other essential electronic devices, prepare for possible power outages and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of flooding or high winds.
Anyone living near tidal waterways should remain alert even if their neighborhood does not flood during the first high-tide cycle. Water levels may change as the storm progresses.
Atlantic City officials are directing residents to the city's official website, ACNJ.gov, for emergency information and updates.
The National Weather Service is expected to continue updating its forecasts and warnings as the nor'easter develops.
South Jersey NewsBeat will continue monitoring the storm and its effects on communities throughout Atlantic and Cape May counties.
About the Author
Karen Johnson
With over 30 years of news experience in major markets like Los Angeles, Denver, and Columbus, Karen now covers our area for South Jersey NewsBeat. She also brings her articulate and conversational news delivery to WOND radio listeners every weekday. Her background includes work with the NBC Radio Network, and she thrives in fast-paced news environments.
