ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Atlantic City coastal flooding is expected as a prolonged nor’easter brings heavy rain, strong winds and potentially dangerous conditions through early Saturday, prompting officials to urge residents and visitors to prepare.
Mayor Marty Small Sr., joined by city public safety and emergency management officials, advised residents to move vehicles to higher ground before flooding begins.
“This storm could linger and make flooding even worse for the city,” Small said. “We highly encourage people to move their vehicles to higher ground.”
To assist residents, the Wave Garage at Mississippi and Fairmount avenues will offer free parking through at least 1 p.m. Saturday. The city will evaluate conditions and extend the free parking period if necessary.
Fire Chief Scott Evans, the city’s Office of Emergency Management coordinator, said Atlantic City expects at least five high-tide cycles beginning Thursday evening. The National Weather Service placed the area under a coastal flood warning through 2 a.m. Saturday.
“Residents should take the warning seriously and prepare now,” Evans said. “Coastal flooding conditions can change quickly, especially as repeated high tides compound the impacts of the storm.”
Police Chief James Sarkos encouraged residents to check on family members, neighbors and others who are elderly or have special needs.
“Police your neighborhoods and help those around you,” Sarkos said. “We will have adequate staffing of police officers on the streets to address issues as they arise. Together with Public Works and Health and Human Services, we have the resources needed to respond safely to this event.”
Assistant Public Works Director Ahmid Abdullah Sr. asked residents to secure trash cans and keep them on higher ground whenever possible.
“If trash cans float down the street, loose trash can be left behind when floodwaters recede,” Abdullah said. “That debris can clog sewer systems and create additional problems during and after the storm.”
City officials warned motorists never to drive through flooded roads because the water may be deeper than it appears and can conceal roadway damage. Residents should relocate vehicles before floodwaters rise.
Officials also advised the public to secure outdoor objects, protect vulnerable property and monitor changing conditions. Residents and visitors can follow official weather and emergency updates at ACNJ.gov, along with city social media accounts and local news outlets.
The National Weather Service warned that repeated high tides and persistent onshore winds could produce significant coastal flooding along the New Jersey shore into the weekend. Strong winds, high surf and dangerous rip currents are also expected along the coast.
