Wind gusts Monday morning, predicted by the National Weather Service. (Graphic: NWS)
A storm system that has wreaked havoc from Florida to the mid-Atlantic will move through the Shore region Monday, bringing with it heavy rain and winds, the National Weather Service predicted.
A flood watch, wind advisory and coastal flood watch are all in effect for the area.
“Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible” through Monday afternoon, the watch statement said, in addition to tidal flooding. “Up to one foot of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways” is possible.
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“Locally moderate coastal flooding is possible for the back bays of Ocean County along Barnegat Bay, with the high tide cycle this afternoon as water becomes more trapped in the bay,” the statement said. “At this level, flooding begins on the most vulnerable roads in coastal and bayside communities, and along inland tidal waterways. Some partial or full road closures are possible.”
Our latest forecast calls for a widespread 2-4 inches of rain across the entire region through Monday morning. As a result, the concern for urban, small stream, and minor river flooding has increased. Some moderate river flooding is now possible as well. pic.twitter.com/hMM69tWn0q
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) December 17, 2023
In addition to the rain and tidal flooding, high winds could cause issues as well during the day.
“Southeast winds 25 to 35 m.p.h. with gusts up to 55 m.p.h. can be expected,” according to the NWS statement. “Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.”
The strongest winds will come through in the morning, but may linger into the midday and afternoon.
New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch are possible Monday, the NWS said. The storm is expected to move out by the end of the day, with the highest chance of heavy rain coming prior to 2 p.m. Colder air will move in after the storm; by Monday night, partly cloudy skies will remain, but the overnight low will dip to 36 degrees.
A slight chance of showers will be possible before 1 p,m. Tuesday, but it will otherwise be mostly sunny, with a high near 43. It will remain breezy, with a west wind 15 to 20 m.p.h. and the chance for tides to remain high.
The storm will completely be gone by Tuesday night, and sunny skies will dominate by Wednesday.
