South Jersey and the Jersey Shore are in for a gnarly weekend ahead with rain, wind, and coastal flooding. Although it won’t be a complete washout, the combination of these weather elements makes for an unpredictable and challenging weekend for residents and visitors.
According to meteorologist Joe Martucci, the weekend forecast includes a stray morning shower on Saturday, followed by showers starting around noon. The rain won’t be steady until 7 p.m., making Saturday evening a particularly wet and windy period. Sunday will bring gusty showers in the morning, accompanied by coastal flooding. However, the afternoon is expected to be dry and breezy.
Despite the rainy outlook, Saturday morning should be fine for outdoor activities, with only a few spotty showers and cloudy skies. Temperatures will gradually rise through the 50s in the morning. Martucci is optimistic that events or activities not highly sensitive to rain can still go on during the afternoon. South Jersey will be sandwiched between a dying low-pressure system to the north and a developing coastal storm to the south.
Showers are expected to develop between 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday, with the steady rain starting around 7 p.m. Daytime highs will reach the low 60s. However, once the rain begins, it will pour heavily, and strong winds will accompany it. The coastal storm will be stronger and closer to the area, while the dying low-pressure system gives its final impact.
The combination of rainfall, windy conditions, and the coastal storm could lead to roadway, stream, and creek flooding. Inland areas can expect gusts of around 30 mph, while the shore may experience gusts up to 40 mph, creating an eerie atmosphere.
The steady rain will taper off between 3 and 5 a.m. on Sunday. However, with onshore winds and the coastal storm’s influence, minor coastal flooding is expected during the Sunday morning high tide. Flooding may persist for up to three hours, mainly in typical flood-prone areas such as West Wildwood, a lane of the Black and White Horse pikes, and Shore Road near the train bridge in Absecon. It is advised to avoid saltwater during this time.
Rain showers will gradually diminish on Sunday morning, but the winds will remain strong. By noon, the rain will move away from the shore, followed by clearing skies in the afternoon. Despite temperatures remaining below average around 60 degrees, the breezy winds may make outdoor activities manageable as long as the ground is not too wet.
In other news, while people may be disappointed by the cloudy and rainy weather hindering visibility, Martucci mentions a partial solar eclipse happening on Saturday. Although only 25% of the afternoon sun will be blocked by the moon, the overcast skies and rain are likely to make it difficult to observe. However, a total solar eclipse with approximately 85% sun coverage is expected on April 8, 2024. During the Great American Eclipse of 2017, about 75% of the sun was blocked, providing a significant viewing opportunity for sun enthusiasts.
As a reminder, it is crucial to stay updated with weather information and preparedness measures during this potentially challenging weekend. Residents and visitors should take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and follow any official instructions or warnings related to flooding or adverse weather conditions.
