Coastal Flood — Eastern Cape May, New Jersey

2023-09-23 · Eastern Cape May, New Jersey

Event narrative

Widespread roadway flooding was reported in the tidal areas of the county, and there were numerous road closures. Many homes and other buildings were surrounded by flood waters with some minor property damage occurring. The tide gauge at Ocean City reached 6.41 feet MLLW, the tide gauge at Sea Isle City reached 6.99 feet MLLW, the tide gauge at Avalon reached 7.07 feet MLLW, and the tide gauge at Stone Harbor reached 7.26 feet MLLW.

Wider weather episode

Tropical Storm Ophelia drifted northward from eastern North Carolina into southeastern Virginia on the afternoon and early evening of September 23. Meanwhile, strong high pressure was centered in Quebec. The pattern resulted in a steady onshore flow along the coast of New Jersey, causing widespread tidal flooding.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1130722. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.