Coastal Storm Floods Ocean City Streets and Disrupts Weekend Travel
A slow-moving coastal storm has flooded streets in Ocean City, Maryland, and Ocean City, New Jersey, as onshore winds and high tides push water 2 to 3 feet above normally dry ground in low-lying areas. Coastal flood warnings transitioned to advisories for Sunday, September 27, but some roads remain covered or narrowed. Visitors and residents are dealing with detours and moving vehicles to higher ground ahead of additional high tides.
Forecasters traced the flooding to sustained winds from the ocean plus repeated high tides, which raised water two to three feet above normally dry land in some tidal areas. Great Egg Harbor Bay in New Jersey was singled out as especially vulnerable, while Maryland’s bayside streets flooded around morning and evening peaks.
The weather service moved from coastal flood warnings on Saturday to advisories for Sunday, September 27, though more street flooding could occur at each high tide. Delaware beach communities also faced strong gusts and wave-driven back-bay flooding, complicating highway travel.
The disruption could weigh most on residents and visitors in low-lying bayside blocks, who may need to move cars, alter routes, or postpone outings. Local businesses and event organizers might see reduced turnout if roads remain narrowed or flooded. Drivers unfamiliar with tidal hotspots could face delays and hazardous conditions, while repeated high tides may keep some weekend travel and commerce uneven until waters recede.