Major tidal flooding possible on Saturday

The Jersey Shore should brace for the potential of major tidal flooding on Saturday.

Tidal flooding in Stone Harbor in Feb. 2016 as photographed by Zeke Orzech (‏@Zeke_O via Twitter).

Tidal flooding in Stone Harbor in Feb. 2016 as photographed by Zeke Orzech (‏@Zeke_O via Twitter).

The Jersey Shore should brace for the potential of major tidal flooding on Saturday.

A nor’easter will strengthen off the coast on Thursday night and remain in the area through Saturday, forecasters say.

For days, the forecast models have been concerning to the National Weather Service, which says that tidal flooding could be a significant problem.

And the timing couldn’t be worse, as tide levels will already be high due to the full moon.

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Forecasters say tides will increase through Saturday as the offshore storm meanders, prompting moderate to major tidal flooding for the Saturday morning and evening high tides.

The outlook calls for minor to moderate tidal flooding on Friday. A Coastal Flood Watch is in effect through Saturday evening.

Numerous roadways may flood and minor to moderate property damage is possible. The tides and wave action could result in moderate beach erosion.

In addition to the tidal flooding threat, the National Weather Service is forecasting one to three inches of rain through Saturday.

Winds will be gusting out of the north up to 30 miles per hour on Thursday, shifting to the northeast late Friday and gusting up to 60 mies per hour hour. Plan for scattered power outages.

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