Ocean City, NJ — A powerful coastal storm is causing significant flooding and beach erosion along the Jersey Shore, with Ocean City and surrounding areas facing serious damage. As the storm batters the coast, residents are concerned about both the immediate flooding and the ongoing beach erosion, which threatens long-term property damage.
Widespread Flooding Hits Jersey Shore
The Jersey Shore is experiencing severe flooding as a nor’easter brings heavy rain and high tides. In Sea Isle, cars are struggling to navigate through flooded streets, leaving many vehicles trapped in pools of water.
“I made sure to park my truck on higher ground to avoid damage,” said one local resident.
Along the beaches, there is little sand left between the ocean and the dunes, with Ocean City facing the worst of the beach erosion.
Debbie Horan, a longtime Ocean City resident, voiced her concerns:
“I’m hoping it doesn’t get worse — but when we had Erin over the summer, the whole street flooded.”
Horan was out inspecting the conditions while her husband was at work, showing how deeply the storm has affected daily life for locals.
Beach Erosion Becomes a Major Concern
In addition to the flooding, beach erosion is a growing concern. Jim Hartman, a resident working on a high-rise along the boardwalk, pointed out the severity of the damage:
“I’m working actually on a high-rise on the boardwalk and on the 9th floor, and I can see it’s cliffs out there.”
The beach in Ocean City has been severely eroded, with cliffs forming along the shoreline, and little sand remaining between the ocean and dunes.
“It’s sad to watch because they always replenish when the sand is gone through a storm,” Horan added.
Lifelong Ocean City resident Donna Swan also expressed her surprise at how much flooding occurred, particularly in the cross streets:
“I’m actually very surprised at how much these cross streets have flooded. And we know that if the tides are high, then you’ve got rain coming down, and there’s no place for the rainwater to go.”
As the storm continues, the most significant impact is being felt on the beach. Nor’easters are known not just for their fierce winds but also for stealing valuable beachfront.
Ongoing Beach Erosion Along the Coast
Beach erosion is not limited to just Ocean City. North Wildwood, Strathmere, Sea Isle City, and Avalon are also facing severe erosion throughout the day.
“A lot of cliffing on our dunes, and we’re not the only town that’s happening up and down the coast. We are due for an Army Corps replenishment this coming winter. We hope that’s on schedule,” said Donato, a local official.
While the dunes are doing their job in protecting the coastline, the damage from the storm’s waves is taking a toll.
“It’s not ideal to have the wave action on the dunes like it is right now,” Donato continued.
Despite the damage, many locals are taking the storm in stride, understanding that storms like this are a common occurrence on the coast.
Local Resilience Amid the Storm
Longtime residents like Colleen Bradshaw of Ocean City have learned how to navigate the challenges of living on the Jersey Shore.
“I’ve lived here long enough I know where to go. Where not to go. I know high streets, Central and Asbury, and avoid the floods,” Bradshaw said.
After the storm passed, Bradshaw even ventured out in her rain boots to fulfill her husband’s craving for ice cream, showing the resilience and sense of humor locals maintain despite the flooding.
“When the man needs ice cream, the man needs ice cream,” she joked.
As the storm subsides, it remains unclear just how much damage the area will face, but the effects of the storm are already being felt across the Jersey Shore.
This report was based on information from Fox29.
What are your thoughts on the impact of this storm and how communities along the Jersey Shore are dealing with it? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
