Coastal flooding has moved from advisory to warning level across four states. Persistent northeast winds and an upcoming full moon are stacking high tide on high tide.
Three National Weather Service offices now have Coastal Flood Warnings in effect. Some spots are forecast to see two to three feet of water above ground.
New Jersey and Delaware: Warning, Not Just Advisory
The NWS Mount Holly office upgraded its coastal alert to a Warning. It runs until 2 AM Saturday for the Jersey Shore, Delaware Bay counties, and Delaware’s beaches.
One to two feet of inundation is expected in low-lying areas. Cape May, Atlantic, Ocean and Southeastern Burlington counties are all included, along with Kent and Inland Sussex in Delaware.
A High Surf Advisory adds to the danger. Waves could reach 12 feet along the Delaware beaches through Saturday evening, with a High Rip Current Risk running the same timeline.
Forecasters point to a specific cause. Northeast winds gusting near 50 mph have been pushing extra water into the bays for days.
Virginia’s Northern Neck: The Worst of the Flooding
The NWS Wakefield office has the most severe numbers on the map. Westmoreland, Richmond, Northumberland, Lancaster, Middlesex, Mathews and both Essex zones face two to three feet of inundation until 8 AM Friday.
That’s enough to close numerous roads and threaten homes and businesses near the water. Flooding will push inland along tidal rivers too, not just at the immediate coast.
Virginia’s Eastern Shore is under warning too. Accomack and Northampton counties, plus the Maryland beaches, face one to two feet of flooding along with a High Surf Advisory and a Beach Hazards Statement.
Maryland’s Bay Towns: Annapolis and St. Mary’s
The NWS Baltimore/Washington office has warnings out for several Chesapeake Bay communities. Anne Arundel County’s warning runs until 11 AM Friday.
Specific impacts are already known there. Water is expected to reach Dock Street businesses in Annapolis, and the City Dock parking lot will flood.
St. Mary’s County’s warning runs longer, until 5 PM Friday. Roads on Saint George Island will flood, and several marinas along the St. Mary’s River, Smith Creek and Jutland Creek will see rising water.
Arlington, Alexandria and Falls Church share a warning too, until 10 AM Friday. Water is expected to approach buildings near King Street and Union Street in Old Town Alexandria.
Maryland’s Eastern Shore and Ocean City
NWS Wakefield also covers Dorchester, Wicomico and Somerset counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Their warning runs until 4 AM Friday, with one to two feet of flooding expected.
Inland Worcester County, near Ocean City, is under warning until 4 PM Friday. Flooding there could reach the same one to two foot range.
What Residents Should Do
Never drive through flood water. It’s often deeper than it looks, and it can total a car fast.
Move anything valuable out of flood-prone garages and basements now. High tide will keep repeating through the weekend.
Check tide times for your specific area before heading out. Water rises fastest in the hours right around high tide.
Track your local tide gauge at water.noaa.gov for the latest flood timing.
