Coastal Flood Watch Issued as Hurricane Erin Nears New Jersey, Threatening Roads and Infrastructure

Isolated minor coastal flooding is expected on Hawaiʻi Island from noon today through Thursday, as peak high tides associated with the lunar cycle impact low-lying coastal areas. The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Coastal Flood Statement indicating shorelines and coastal infrastructure, such as roadways, docks, and boat ramps, might experience minor flooding during afternoon peak tides. Residents are advised to avoid driving through flooded roadways; should salt water become unavoidable, rinsing vehicles with fresh water is recommended. Coastal flooding could impact electronic devices and valuable possessions, making it prudent to move them to higher ground. For those with marine vessels, monitoring mooring lines to prevent tightening is vital, alongside securing canoes or other watercraft stored on beaches.

In Cape May County, New Jersey, an updated coastal flood watch for Thursday afternoon through Friday night has been released by the National Weather Service. Expectations of one to two feet of inundation above ground level could turn roadways impassable in coastal, bayside, and tidal waterway communities. Vulnerable structures may suffer damage, prompting emergency preparedness to protect both life and property. Adherence to local emergency management's recommendations is encouraged, alongside monitoring up-to-date forecasts for warnings or additional updates.

Portions of Kahoʻolawe, Kauaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, Niʻihau, Oʻahu, and Hawaiʻi Island are bracing for isolated minor flooding until Thursday afternoon. The National Weather Service anticipates the potential flooding of typically dry beaches, minor erosion, and saltwater seepage. Motorists need to exercise caution around flooded roadways, applying fresh water to their vehicles if exposure to saltwater occurs. Ensuring the elevation of electronics, vehicles, and valuables is suggested, with vigilance over vessel mooring lines and securing watercraft on beaches advised. The public is welcome to share coastal flooding imagery with educational initiatives like the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program’s Hawaiʻi and Pacific Islands King Tides Project.

New Jersey faces coastal flooding threats as Hurricane Erin approaches, although current forecast models predict the hurricane will not make landfall in the U.S. Anticipated dangerous rip currents along the mid-Atlantic coastline necessitate caution for beachgoers this week. The National Weather Service has implemented coastal flood advisories for Cape May, Atlantic, Hudson, and Burlington counties, indicating up to one foot of inundation near shorelines and tidal waterways within specified times. Ongoing monitoring of advisories is crucial as conditions evolve due to Hurricane Erin's presence.

The National Weather Service issued updates for coastal flood watches in multiple New Jersey counties, including Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, and Burlington, valid from Thursday afternoon into Friday night, and Cumberland County from Thursday evening to early Saturday morning. Inundation levels of one to two feet are likely to disrupt roads, potentially damaging vulnerable structures. Residents should prepare for evolving conditions conducive to flooding and stay informed through forecasts and warnings. Implementing the guidance of emergency management officials will assist in safeguarding lives and assets as these advisories unfold.