The National Weather Service has continued a Tropical Storm Watch for the Borough of Avalon and other New Jersey beach communities as Hurricane Jose continues on a path in the North Atlantic that should keep the storm off our coastline. The Watch means that conditions are favorable for weather conditions that may include showers, heavy rainfall, gusty winds, rough surf, beach erosion, and rip currents. Please continue to follow traditional media outlets and this website for updates on the forecast shall they be necessary.
Here is the text of the Tropical Storm Watch issued by the National Weather Service on Sunday evening:
Tropical Storm Watch
This product covers New Jersey... Delaware... southeastern Pennsylvania and northeast Maryland **tropical storm watch remains in effect for coastal portions of Delaware and new jersey** New information --------------- * changes to watches and warnings: - none * current watches and warnings: - a tropical storm watch is in effect for Atlantic, Atlantic coastal Cape May, Cape May, coastal Atlantic, coastal ocean, Delaware beaches, eastern Monmouth, inland Sussex, ocean, southeastern Burlington, and western Monmouth * storm information: - about 470 miles south-southeast of Atlantic City NJ or about 480 miles south-southeast of Dover de - 33.0n 71.4w - storm intensity 85 mph - movement north or 360 degrees at 9 mph Situation overview ------------------ Hurricane Jose is currently located approximately 280 miles east- southeast of Cape Hatteras North Carolina and will track to the north over the western Atlantic Ocean waters, east of the East Coast of the United States, this week. Jose will pass off the Delaware and New Jersey coasts on Tuesday before curving to the northeast and weakening to a tropical storm on Tuesday night and Wednesday. The tropical storm watch continues for locations near and just inland from the coast over Delaware and New Jersey, including the adjacent coastal waters and the lower Delaware Bay. Tropical storm force winds are expected to arrive in Delaware and southern New Jersey Tuesday morning, and then along the coasts in central and northern New Jersey Tuesday afternoon. The strongest winds are expected to be confined to to the coast and adjacent waters, with less windy conditions just inland as well. The strongest winds should occur Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday evening, and then the winds should fall below tropical storm force by early Wednesday morning. Coastal flooding will pose a risk to both life and property for the high tide cycles Tuesday, and Tuesday night. In particular, widespread moderate coastal flooding is possible for the ocean front, back bays, and Delaware Bay with the late Tuesday afternoon and Tuesday night high tide cycle. Heavy rain is possible Tuesday afternoon and evening, and could result in freshwater flooding, mainly for coastal New Jersey. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain is forecast for eastern New Jersey from Monday night through Wednesday, but locally heavier amounts are possible, especially Tuesday evening. There is also the potential for the storm to shift a bit farther west, and this would bring heavier rain into much of New Jersey as well. If the heavier rain falls at the time of high tide, it could worsen the coastal flooding issues. Hazardous seas and dangerous surf resulting in a high risk for the formation of dangerous and life threatening rip currents are expected this week. Significant beach erosion is also expected for much of this week. Potential impacts ----------------- * surge: prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across coastal portions of Delaware and New Jersey, including the ocean front, back bays, and lower Delaware Bay. Potential impacts in this area include: - localized inundation is possible with storm surge flooding mainly along immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore. - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots could become overspread with surge water. Dangerous driving conditions are possible in places where surge water covers the Road. - Moderate beach erosion is expected. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents are anticipated. - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers is possible. A few small craft may be broken away from moorings. * Wind: prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across New Jersey, Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania and eastern Maryland. Potential impacts include: - damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored Mobile homes is possible. Unsecured lightweight objects could be blown around. - Many large tree limbs may be broken off. A few trees could be snapped or uprooted. Some fences and roadway signs may be blown over. - A few roads could be impassable from debris. Hazardous driving conditions are possible on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages are possible. * Flooding rain: prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across across northern and eastern New Jersey. Potential impacts include: - localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen and overflow in spots. - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in vulnerable spots. Rapid ponding of water may occur at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief Road and bridge closures are possible. Elsewhere across New Jersey... Delaware... southeastern Pennsylvania and northeast Maryland, little to no impact is anticipated. * Other coastal hazards: hazardous seas and dangerous surf is expected ahead of and with the passage of Jose. This results in the formation of dangerous and lift threatening rip currents. Significant beach erosion also expected. Precautionary/preparedness actions ---------------------------------- Now is the time to check your emergency plan and take necessary actions to secure your home or business. Deliberate efforts should be underway to protect life and property. Ensure that your emergency supplies kit is stocked and ready. When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the exact forecast track as there are inherent forecast uncertainties which must be taken into account. If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as near the ocean, in a low lying or poor drainage area, in a valley, or near an already swollen river, plan to move to safe shelter on higher ground. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of others. When securing your property, outside preparations should be conducted as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of strong gusty winds and heavy rain can cause certain preparedness activities to become unsafe. Visitors to the area should become familiar with nearby surroundings. If you are a visitor, know the name of the County in which you are located and where it is relative to current watches and warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially pertaining to area visitors. Closely monitor NOAA Weather Radio or other local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast. * Additional sources of information: - for information on appropriate preparations see ready.Gov - for information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.Org - for additional disaster preparedness information see Redcross.Org Next update ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly NJ around 12 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.