The nor’easter that struck the state this weekend, blasting the shore region with gale force winds through Tuesday, caused flooding all along the New Jersey coast.
“This was a significant nor’easter for most of the Jersey shore,” said Joe Martucci, a meteorologist and owner of Cup A Joe Weather and Drone. “This was a significant flood event from Monmouth County all the way down to Cape May. There were some areas that saw up to five consecutive high tides that were in flood stage.”
Martucci said the most significant tides were in Ocean County. “Waretown saw a record highest tide for there,” he said.
Those tidal floods were a direct result of the wind, added National Weather Service meteorologist Alex Staarmann.
“At least for Barnegat light, it was the highest tide since Hurricane Sandy, said Staarmann. “Essentially what we had was about 36 to 48 hours of sustained northeast gale force winds, with stronger gusts up to storm force, which is around 60 miles per hour.”
No deaths were reported in New Jersey from this storm, although three people in other states died from storm-related incidents.
The storm left its mark with major beach erosion, including in Manasquan.
“That’s probably the biggest headline from this storm is the coastal erosion, how much sand we lost,” said Manasquan Mayor Mike Mangan. “I did a tour of the beach just this morning, and also was monitoring it throughout the storm. The amount of sand we lost is massive. And we’re gonna be definitely looking to our federal and state partners to help us replenish that before next year.
“The reality is people are more prepared than ever,” he continued. “Homes are lifted, the warning systems that we have in place are better than they’ve ever been. What we need is help from the federal and state government in terms of the public infrastructure.”
While the worst of the storm is likely over, Staarmann said to expect “an additional round of widespread minor coastal flooding with the high tide this afternoon and evening. That will be especially the case for the back bays of Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May counties.”
