Coastal Flood Advisories Issued Along East Coast as Hurricane Erin Swells Tides

Coastal Flood Advisories are now in effect for several East Coast areas. Hurricane Erin’s distant surge and high tides could cause minor to moderate flooding in low-lying spots.

In North Carolina, the National Weather Service’s Newport/Morehead City office issued a Coastal Flood Advisory. This advisory lasts from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 5 p.m. Thursday for Pamlico Sound and nearby tidal waterways. Forecasters say there could be 1–3 feet of flooding. Roads, parks, and lots at risk may close or flood during high tide.

Further north, the NWS Baltimore/Washington DC office issued Coastal Flood Advisories. These alerts are for parts of Charles and King George counties from 11 p.m. Tuesday to 4 a.m. Wednesday. They also apply to southern Baltimore County and the city of Baltimore from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday. Tides may rise 1.5–2 feet above normal. This increase could lead to flooding of up to half a foot along the shore. Indian Head, Dahlgren, and the Inner Harbor are likely to see water in yards, docks, and low areas.

County and state officials in New Jersey alerted residents of Atlantic, Cape May, and Ocean counties about Coastal Flood Advisories. These will be in effect during Friday’s midday high tides. Heavy flooding might occur on Thursday night and Friday morning. This could cause some roads to close and waves to overtop beaches in certain spots. Cape May County OEM warned that communities on the bay side could see a surge of 1–3 feet in Delaware Bay. By Thursday at 8:30 p.m., tide levels might hit 6.5 feet above MLLW.

Throughout the advisory areas, residents are urged to:

  • Allow extra travel time and avoid flooded roads.
  • Secure vehicles, outdoor furniture and flood-prone property.
  • Obey barricades and never drive through standing water.
  • Monitor local NWS forecasts and emergency management alerts for updates.

Hurricane Erin is likely to stay offshore but will grow in size by Friday. This means coastal areas will still face impacts, such as high surf, rip currents, and storm surge, even if the storm is far away. Mariners and beachgoers should remain vigilant and heed all advisories until conditions abate.