New Jersey shore towns battle flooding

NJ flooding closes streets, submerges vehicles in beach communities

Heavy surf pounded the coast in North Wildwood, coastal flooding filled the back bays of Avalon and kayakers were seen paddling down the soggy streets of Sea Isle City Monday afternoon.

OCEAN CITY, NJ - A powerful coastal storm is wreaking havoc on shore towns, pushing ocean water into homes and roads.

Widespread flooding hits Jersey Shore

What we know:

Flooding in NJ: Nor?easter hits New Jersey shores

A powerful coastal storm is causing damage to New Jersey shore towns, pushing ocean water into homes and roads.

The Jersey Shore is experiencing widespread flooding as a nor’easter batters the coast.

In Sea Isle, cars are struggling to navigate floodwaters, and many parked vehicles are left stranded in pools of water.

One local resident made sure to park his truck on higher ground to avoid damage.

On the beaches, there is little sand left between the ocean and the dunes.

Ocean City is facing severe beach erosion, with cliffs forming along the shoreline.

Debbie Horan, a resident of Ocean City, expressed 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 checking the conditions as her husband was at work.

Local perspective:

On Bay Avenue, kids are trying to kayak in the floodwaters while others wade through them.

Jim Hartman, a year-round resident, mentioned that flooded streets are common. "You get a bad rain sometimes and it’ll be that flooded… so it’s just one of those things — couple hours it goes down," said Hartman.

Beach erosion: Growing concern

What they're saying:

Jim Hartman, working on a high-rise in Ocean City, noted, "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."

Debbie Horan added, "It’s sad to watch because they always replenish when the sand is gone through a storm."

The storm has significantly eroded the beach, leaving little sand between the ocean and the dunes, particularly in Ocean City.

Lifelong Ocean City resident Donna Swan had to come out and see for herself.

"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 rain water to go," said Swan.

The biggest impact was on the beach. Nor’easters not only pack a punch but they also steal valuable beachfront.

Erosion on beaches like North Wildwood, Strathmere, Sea Isle City and Avalon were being reported 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 Corp replenishment this coming winter. We hope that’s on schedule. It’s not ideal to have the waves action on the dunes like it is right now but then again that’s their purpose and they’re doing their job." Said Donato.

Several people were seen taking advantage of the coastal flooding. It keeps property owners on edge. Take a look at this time lapse video from North Wildwood where flooding swept away furniture.

For locals storms like this a couple times a year comes with the territory.

"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" said Colleen Bradshaw of Ocean City.

Once the storm passed she put on her rain boots and braved the elements for her man’s favorite treat.

"When the man needs ice cream the man needs ice cream" joked Bradshaw.

What we don't know:

It is still unclear the full extent of the damage the storm will cause.

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