Winter Storm Update

COURT HOUSE – National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Cape May County.
The winter storm watch will be in effect from 7 p.m. Jan. 22 until 10 a.m. Jan. 24.
National Weather Service’s latest snowfall forecast map (shown left) shows potential snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches for our area. Expect changes in the snowfall maps as new information comes in.
Snow is expected to begin Friday evening, primarily after the evening commute. The snow will likely mix with and then changeover to sleet and rain for a period on Saturday, then back over to snow toward the end of the event Saturday night. Snow will taper off by Sunday morning.
A high wind watch has been issued, which will be in effect from midnight Jan. 23 to midnight Jan. 24.
Gusty winds could lead to blowing and drifting snow, as well as beach erosion. The strongest gusts will be along the coast with wind speeds up to 50 to 60 mph.
Be prepared for difficult traveling conditions beginning Friday evening. Power outages are possible due to strong winds, as well as property damage due to coastal flooding, along with beach erosion.
A winter storm watch means there is a potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. 
National Weather Service has also issued a coastal flood watch, which will be in effect from 4 a.m. Jan. 23 to noon Jan. 24.
Widespread moderate coastal flooding is possible and there may be localized areas of major coastal flooding. The coastal flooding could last for three consecutive high tide cycles with water remaining trapped along the coast, and in the back bays and estuaries.
High tide on the New Jersey and Delaware oceanfront occurs between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. Saturday morning, between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday evening, and between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Sunday morning. High tide on the back bays and on Delaware Bay occurs later than the high tide along the oceanfront.
Wave heights on the near-shore waters off New Jersey and Delaware are forecast to build to 15 to 20 feet over the weekend. Wave heights on Delaware Bay may build to 4 to 8 feet.
Numerous roadways may flood and minor to moderate property damage is possible. The tides and wave action could result in significant beach erosion.
A coastal flood watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of moderate or major tidal flooding.
Be prepared to begin taking appropriate action to protect life and property.
Share your weather observations and photos by emailing newswatch@cmcherald.com, on the Herald’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/heraldnewspapers/ or on Twitter, https://twitter.com/HeraldNews.
For complete weather/tides: www.CapeMayCountyHerald.com/news/weather