Preparing for the Storm: Blizzard Conditions to Impact Cape May County
A powerful winter storm is moving toward Ocean City, and a Blizzard Warning is now in effect for Cape May County. Conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly starting Sunday night and continue through Monday. Authorities are urging residents to complete all storm preparations before the first flakes arrive, as travel is expected to become “very difficult to impossible.”
The latest forecasts indicate this system will be a significant snow-maker for southern New Jersey.
- Total Accumulation: Forecasters are projecting 12 to 18 inches of snow across Cape May County, with localized amounts potentially reaching up to 20 inches in the hardest-hit coastal areas.
- Snowfall Rates: During the storm’s peak, late Sunday night into Monday morning, snow may fall at 2 inches per hour, leading to rapid accumulation and whiteout conditions.
A Coastal Flood Watch is in effect from 9:00 PM Sunday through 5:00 AM Monday.
- Tidal Impacts: Moderate coastal flooding is expected along tidal waterways. Many roads in coastal and bayside communities may become impassable.
- Property Risk: At these levels, flooding can spread into back bays and impact vulnerable structures. Residents in flood-prone areas should move vehicles to higher ground before Sunday evening.
The blizzard conditions are driven not just by snow, but by powerful winds.
- Wind Gusts: Northeasterly winds are expected to gust up to 55 mph.
- Visibility: These winds will cause widespread blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility to near zero at times.
- Outage Potential: The combination of heavy, wet snow and high winds creates a significant risk for downed trees and power lines. Widespread power outages across the county are a distinct possibility.
Emergency Contact Directory
Keep these numbers handy in case of service interruptions or emergencies. In any life-threatening situation, immediately dial 911.
| Organization | Contact Information |
| Atlantic City Electric (Power) | 1-800-833-7476 (Report outages or downed wires) |
| NJ American Water (Water) | 1-800-272-1325 (24/7 Emergency Line) |
| Ocean City Emergency Mgmt. | 609-399-9111 (Non-emergency/Downed wire reports) |
| Ocean City Municipal Info | 609-399-6111 |
| Cape May County OEM | 609-600-5055 or 609-463-6570 |
Stay Prepared
Preparedness is your best defense against a storm of this magnitude. Ensure your “Go Bag” or home kit includes extra blankets, flashlights with fresh batteries, a three-day supply of water, and a battery-powered radio. Charge all electronic devices today while the power is still stable.
Stay indoors and off the roads once the snow begins, as emergency crews will need clear paths to respond to incidents.
