Huge waves pounded the surf in Spring Lake for most of the day. The rushing water was flowing close to the boardwalk by mid afternoon. Just blocks away, a split tree was evidence of the high winds. Farther south, streets were flooded in Long Branch Township. Municipal cameras allowed Ocean County officials to monitor the situation from their emergency operation center from Berkeley Township.

“Unfortunately, we’ve seen areas on Long Beach Island where ocean water has actually met bay water across the island,” said Ocean County Freeholder John Bartlett. “Again, this is a monster storm.”

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Despite mandatory evacuation orders for the barrier islands, officials say some people stayed behind and were trapped by the flooded streets.

While there were no rescues of people in distress, Keith Elements, Ocean County’s Emergency Deputy Coordinator, said people were trapped in their homes in Stafford Township and Little Egg Harbor. “We had National Guard troops come in and remove people from some of their homes on the bay side. The water came up on them and [they] woke up this morning and realized that they couldn’t drive out. So those people were safely moved out.”

Thousands were already without power this afternoon. JCP&L officials say they have the manpower and equipment to respond.”

Despite the ferocity of the storm, spectators gathered along the boardwalk in Spring Lake to witness the wrath of mother nature

JCP&L President Donald Lynch said the utility has called in reinforcements. “All in all, we have about 4000 people here on the ground ready to support the restoration effort once the hurricane makes landfall,” said Lynch. “We’re still having more on its way. In fact, I just got notification that another 235 line personnel heading this way, will be here this evening.”

In Spring Lake, the wind and the rain are so intense, it’s hard to believe we’re not feeling the full force of the storm quite yet. But forecasters are expecting conditions will only get worse tonight.