Don’t Let Your Weekend Getaway Turn Into a Boat Show

Written by Ken Colavito

AutoSkillsRule Monthly Tech Article · October 2026 · Bonus Edition: Coastal Flood Awareness

My wife’s cousins headed to Wildwood, NJ, for Irish Weekend 2026. They had a rental house full of friends, music, and food planned. Then a nor’easter pushed floodwater up the street, rising about halfway up the cars parked outside. Every car at the house was lost, and everyone had to find another ride home. They parked where anyone would park. Nobody had a bad plan. They just didn’t know what the water would do.

Officials do act on storms. Wildwood canceled outdoor events for the weekend, and festival organizers pulled vendors off the street. The challenge is getting the word to visitors in a busy crowd, far from home. That’s why this bonus edition is about prevention. Fall is nor’easter season on the coast, and plenty of shore trips are still on the calendar. In the Atlantic City area, officials said 2 to 3 feet of floodwater flooded homes and vehicles that same weekend. A few habits can keep your car, and your family, safe.

1. Know Which Water You’re Dealing With

Why: At the shore, flooding often comes from the bay and ocean, not just rain. That means it follows the tides.

  • Check the National Weather Service (NWS) forecast for your exact town. Look for Coastal Flood Advisories, Watches and Warnings.

  • Look up high-tide times for your stay. Water is deepest around high tide.

  • Know that tides can run higher than predicted. North Wildwood’s mayor explained that if floodwater doesn’t drain before the next tide, it can “stack” and push the high tide above the forecast.

2. Get the Alert Before You Need It

Why: A warning only helps if it reaches you. In a loud bar or festival crowd, your phone may be the only way to communicate.

  • Turn on emergency and weather alerts in your phone settings.

  • Use a weather app set to your current location, not just home.

  • Search for the county’s emergency notification sign-up and register when you arrive.

3. Ask a Local

Why: The people who live and work there know which streets flood. If you haven’t heard a word about the weather, don’t assume nothing is coming. Ask.

  • Ask your bartender, server, shop clerk, or rental host: “Does this street flood? Where do people move their cars? Any storm alerts today?”

  • Ask early, before you settle in for the night. Most people are glad to help.

  • Then confirm with the NWS or the county alert system. Locals are a great first source, but official alerts have the final word.

4. Park Smart

Why: Water can rise slowly, then fast. Roads can close, so leaving late may not be an option.

  • Before booking a rental, ask: Does the street flood? Is there higher ground or a garage nearby?

  • Park on the highest nearby ground. Skip low blocks near the bay.

  • If a storm is forecast, move the car early to higher ground or off the island.

  • Tidal flooding can show up on a dry-looking day, so don’t wait for rain.

5. Never Drive Through It

Why: You can’t judge depth, and you can’t see the road underneath. The CDC reports that over half of flood-related drownings happen when a vehicle is driven into hazardous floodwater.

  • 6 inches: can knock over an adult and cause a car to lose control or stall. Don’t walk or drive it.

  • 12 inches: can carry away a small car. Turn around.

  • 18–24 inches: can carry away most SUVs, vans and trucks. Turn around.

These NWS figures describe moving water. Standing water is still destructive. It just does its damage by soaking the car.

6. If Water Reaches Your Car, Don’t Start It

Why: An engine pulls air through its intake. If water gets in, it can fill the cylinders. Water doesn’t compress as air does, so the piston stops hard. That’s called “hydrolock,” and it can bend internal parts.

  • Stay out of deep or moving water to reach the car. It isn’t worth it.

  • Don’t start the engine or switch on accessories, even if the car looks dry.

  • Take photos and video of the exterior, interior, engine bay, and any waterlines for your insurer.

  • Saltwater is especially corrosive, so drying a car out quickly matters. Call your insurer about a tow.

  • Hybrid or EV? Don’t touch it. The high-voltage system is a job for a professional.

7. Check Your Insurance Before You Go

Why: Read your policy before the water arrives.

  • Comprehensive coverage is the part of an auto policy that can cover flooding, minus your deductible. Liability-only generally won’t.

  • Flood insurance typically excludes vehicles.

  • Call your agent. Ask about your deductible and whether rental-car reimbursement is included.

Quick Checklist

  • ☐ Checked NWS forecast and tide times for my destination

  • ☐ Emergency and weather alerts on, set to my location

  • ☐ Signed up for the county’s alert system

  • ☐ Asked a local or my host about street flooding and parking

  • ☐ Confirmed what I heard with an official source

  • ☐ Parked on high ground, away from the bay

  • ☐ Moved the car early if a storm was forecast

  • ☐ Never drove through floodwater

  • ☐ Know my policy has comprehensive coverage

  • ☐ Photos ready, and I won’t start a flooded car

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Safety note: This is general guidance. Follow your owner’s manual, and see a qualified technician for any repairs.

Sources

Ken Colavito
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