The first weekend of fall is not shaping up to be a beach weekend at the Jersey Shore.
Instead, forecasters are expecting tidal flooding, gusty winds and rip currents as a full moon will combine with a storm system from which the Shore are will feel several effects.
A high risk of rip currents will begin Friday as a persistent onshore flow will move into the area and continue through the weekend and even the early portion of next week, according to the National Weather Service’s office in Mount Holly. The coastal flooding threat – current classified as minor by NWS – will mainly occur from the PM high tide period Saturday night through the AM high tide period Monday morning.
Beach erosion will continue all weekend long.
Winds will also be strong, forecasters are predicting. Sustained winds from the northeast will blow 21 to 23 m.p.h. Friday, 18 to 22 m.p.h. Saturday and continue Sunday. Gusts, at times, could reach the 40 m.p.h. range.
The rain threat is relatively minor, with the NWS calling for just a chance of showers between Saturday night at Monday morning.
Finally, a small craft advisory is in place until at least Saturday morning. Seas will run 6-9 feet on Friday, building to 7-10 feet overnight and returning to 6-9 feet Saturday through Sunday.
