By DONALD WITTKOWSKI
Here’s the weather forecast summed up in one word: Ugh!
A nor’easter that began Sunday afternoon with snow covering Sea Isle City’s beaches and Promenade will bring a potpourri of poor weather before it finally ends on Tuesday evening, forecasters say.
Snow, rain, sleet, strong winds and flooding are expected to take turns lashing the shore while the storm lingers.
In Sea Isle, emergency management officials are taking a we’re-prepared-for-anything approach to the ever-changing storm.
“We’re about as prepared as we can be,” Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Jargowsky said.
Snow is expected to mix with rain on Monday as the storm enters a more dangerous phase that will include northeast winds gusting up to 50 mph at the shore as well as flooding.
“Strong winds will develop especially near the coast and over the waters with gusts reaching 40 to 50-plus mph, strongest on Monday, resulting in hazardous boating conditions and potential power outages,” according to a Sea Isle weather warning.
Jargowsky emphasized that flooding is the biggest concern. Minor to moderate flooding is expected through the high tide cycles from Monday morning through Tuesday morning.
“The main threat for Sea Isle City will be three rounds of minor to moderate tidal flooding, starting with Monday’s late morning tide, followed by Monday’s late evening tide, and finally high tide on Tuesday morning at 11:30 a.m.,” he said.
Jargowsky noted that the northeast winds will push water into the back bays, setting up the conditions for flooding. He hopes that the wind direction will shift to the west by Tuesday morning to help reduce the amount of flooding.
The city is urging homeowners to move their vehicles from low-lying areas, especially before Monday morning’s high tide.
“Do not drive through tidal flood water. Your wake will damage nearby properties and can severely damage your vehicle. As per City ordinance, you may be subjected to a summons and a significant fine should you cause excessive wake by driving irresponsibly through flood waters,” according to a weather alert from the Sea Isle Police Department.
Sea Isle is using social media, text messages and phone alerts to warn residents and visitors about the storm.
Jargowsky said local residents are largely familiar with nor’easters, but second homeowners who have been coming to Sea Isle for seashore getaways may not be aware just how dangerous coastal storms can be – especially one that is expected to last for days.
“They’re not used to a typical nor’easter,” he said.
People who have a police or fire emergency should call 911. For non-emergencies, call 609-263-4311, ext. 0.
Because of the anticipated high winds and moderate tides, curbside trash and recycling will not be collected Monday. Trash and recycling collections will be pushed back by one day this week.
