A severe weather storm system will be driving ocean water directly onto the land in the Northeast. An urgent coastal flood warning has been declared by the National Weather Service for the Southern region of Westchester County, coastal Connecticut, and Long Island Sound.
The high tide combined with strong easterly winds will drive the water level to be two feet above the usual dry land elevation. And if you live near the coastal states, then you should expect water to stick around through Sunday evening high tides.
What are the Coastal Flood Warnings for Today?
The reason for this week’s abrupt flooding is a persistent storm that hangs on the coast of this region. Strong winds blowing at a speed of up to 40 miles per hour act as a barrier, preventing ocean water from returning to the ocean at low tides.
The flood water has already started collecting in low lying areas across Westchester, Fairfield, and New Haven counties. Wind gusts are also breaking tree branches and driving high waves against beach walls which is causing shoreline damage.
Which Counties are Under Coastal Flood Alerts Today?
Advisories stretch across several East Coast states as the storm moves slowly northward.
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US State
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Counties Under Coastal Flood Alert
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Impacted Bodies of Water
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New York
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Southern Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Queens
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Long Island Sound, NY Harbor
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Connecticut
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Fairfield, New Haven, New London
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Long Island Sound
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New Jersey
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Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, Cape May
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Atlantic Ocean, Barnegat Bay
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Virginia and Maryland
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Accomack, Northampton, Anne Arundel
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Chesapeake Bay
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In New York and Connecticut, onshore winds will keep water pinned against the coast during high tide hours all weekend.
Understanding the Warnings: Why is There a Coastal Flood Advisory Today?
To understand why NWC has issued a coastal flood advisory for Atlantic counties first you need to know what a coastal flood is.
Coastal flooding occurs when the wind causes seawater to move onshore beyond the usual levels of the tide.
As the storm is trapping water from moving out, the next high tide will flood even further inland than the previous high tide was able to do.
Residents can find information about evacuation sites by visiting the safety website at Westchester County Emergency Services.
Simple Safety Tips for Atlantic County during Weather Alerts
Local officials urge residents to take quick steps before high tide arrives:
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Park on higher ground away from docks, beaches, and low streets.
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Saltwater destroys car engines, brakes, and wiring fast.
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Tie down yard furniture, trash cans, and boats so they do not float away.
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Listen to local weather updates on the radio or phone alerts.
Floodwaters will peak during evening and morning high tides before slowly dropping early next week as the storm moves out to sea.