More than 1 million people in New Jersey were warned about “costly” repairs if they leave their vehicles in vulnerable areas during tidal floods on Wednesday.
Why It Matters
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Mount Holly, New Jersey, issued a coastal flood advisory on Wednesday amid the threat of minor tidal flooding. The advisory said the expected flooding could close vulnerable roads and damage vehicles left in flood-prone locations.
Newsweek reached out to the NWS office in Mount Holly by phone for comment.
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What To Know
The coastal flood advisory warns of between a half-foot and 1 foot of flooding in low-lying coastal and bayside areas.
“At this level, flooding begins on the most vulnerable roads in coastal and bayside communities, and along inland tidal waterways,” the advisory said. “Some partial or full road closures are possible.”
The advisories are in place along New Jersey’s entire Atlantic coastline and include areas such as Atlantic City, Ocean City, Linwood and Toms River.
The advisory cautions residents not to leave vehicles in flood-prone areas and not to drive through flood waters because vehicles may be damaged, leading to costly repairs.
People in the impacted areas were urged not to leave their vehicles at a location prone to tidal flooding and to not drive through flood waters.
“The water may be deeper than you think it is,” the advisory said. “You will be putting yourself in danger and your vehicle may be damaged, leading to costly repairs.”
In addition to the coastal flood advisory, NWS Mount Holly meteorologists warned of high risk of dangerous rip currents at Atlantic beaches.
Similar advisories span the Eastern Seaboard and have been issued for parts of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Delaware and other states.
What People Are Saying
NWS Mount Holly, on X: “Due to persistent NE flow, several rounds of minor tidal flooding is forecast starting with tonight’s high tide cycle. Additional tidal flooding is expected on Wednesday and possibly on Thursday. A HIGH risk of rip currents remains through Wednesday.”
NWS Mount Holly, in a coastal flood advisory: “A Coastal Flood Advisory means that minor tidal flooding is expected. Minor tidal flooding often results in some road closures. Usually, the most vulnerable roadways will flood.”
What Happens Next
Most advisories are set to expire Wednesday afternoon. Similar advisories could be reissued on Thursday. People in the impacted areas should follow local weather guidance.