The continued heavy rainfall and pervasive winds were expected to bring widespread coastal and bayside flooding Monday afternoon in the Garden State as high tide approached, forecasters said.
Impacts were expected to be greatest from the coasts of Ocean County down to Atlantic County, which were under a moderate risk for coastal flooding, according to the National Weather Service.
Impacts may linger longer and be worse on back bays than the oceanfront, the service said.
Two people walk through flooded streets, caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ian, in North Wildwood, Monday, Oct. 3, 2022. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Forecasters warned that roads could become impassable as the tide continued to rise.
Atlantic City was one of several shore communities that warned its residents and visitors parked in low-lying areas to move their cars to higher ground.
Heavy flooding was anticipated on Route 30, Route 40, Melrose Avenue from Delaware to Massachusetts Avenues and West End in Chelsea Heights, a message from the city stated. Roads in some or all of these areas were expected to close Monday afternoon.
Were going to see significant gridlock in the city, so we encourage everyone to stay home, dont drive, dont go out if you dont have to, and if you live in those low-lying areas, move your car, said Atlantic City Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Scott Evans.
People watch the waves from the remnants of Hurricane Ian in North Wildwood, Monday, Oct. 3, 2022. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Sea Bright also warned residents shortly before 3 p.m. that flood waters were rising and that cars should be moved to higher ground.
The North Wildwood and Ocean City Senior Centers in Cape May County will be closed on Tuesday due to the potential of extended coastal flooding, officials said. The Upper Township and Lower Cape Senior Centers will be open, maintaining normal hours of operation. Fare Free will not be transporting to and from the barrier islands, with the exception of Meals on Wheels and Dialysis.
Wind gusts between Monday and Wednesday should range from the low 20s in northwestern counties to the mid 40s in Atlantic and Cape May counties. A wind advisory was in effect until 6 p.m. in coastal areas of Atlantic, Cape, May and Ocean. That could result in a scattered power outages, the weather service said.
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Chris Sheldon may be reached at [email protected].