Storm Slams Jersey Shore With Wind, Heavy Rain And Flooding
SEA BRIGHT, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Coastal flooding remains a major concern along the Jersey Shore after strong winds and heavy rain wreaked havoc on the area Saturday.
The wet weather was expected to continue through the weekend, and a coastal flood warning for the state was to remain in effect until Sunday evening. About 2 inches of rain had fallen in most areas since Wednesday, and forecasters said 1 to 2 more inches were possible by Sunday night.
Coastal communities were bearing the brunt of the storm, as the heavy rains and high tides battered the region. But the rains there had eased in most areas by late Saturday afternoon.
The wind was whipping sand into the air at Sandy Hook Beach as the D'Onofrio family came out on the stormy Saturday night, CBS2's Dave Carlin reported.
"The wind is getting pretty intense, a little of a sandstorm before, said John D'Onofrio of Aberdeen.
"It is absolutely insane right now, but we love it," said Kerry D'Onofrio.
Along with rough surf and strong winds, steady rain swelled up the Shrewsbury River, causing streets to flood in Sea Bright, CBS2's Christine Sloan reported. The town is especially vulnerable to flooding because it's squeezed between the river and the ocean.
The high waters brought back bad memories of Superstorm Sandy, Sloan reported.
"It sent us into panic. It brought back all of Sandy. It gets your heart," said Mayor Dina Long.
The small town, still rebuilding after Sandy, is on edge.
"Pretty bad, my mother-in-law lives in town and she was evacuated for a few weeks and we're hoping we don't have a repeat of that," said resident Fran Fleming.
A waterfront home ended up in the water in North Wildwood. The home collapsed into the bay just after midnight. Fortunately, no one was inside at the time and there were no injuries.
The homeowner, who has owned the property since 1992, said the rough wind and water from the weekend Nor'easter proved to be too much for the two-story home.
"One of the highest waters I ever seen, higher than it was when Sandy hit. I've never seen water that high," said Stuart Tate, who plans to rebuild, but this time the house will only be one story.
The weather may have caused a part of a New Jersey highway to collapse. Photos from the Riverdale Police Department showed a sinkhole opened up on the ramp from Route 23 South to Route 287 South. That ramp is closed until crews can repair the damage.
Over in Union Beach, water from the Raritan Bay smashed into homes and flooded streets, forcing some residents out.
"I am nervous. Four times I've had to leave because of flooding. I was taken out the first time in a bucket of a pay loader," said resident Roberta Berman.
Eye On The Storm: Video | Watches/Warnings | Radar | Storm Tracker | Precautions/Preparations
The surging water is not too far from where Superstorm Sandy leveled dozens of homes. The destruction at the center of a debate over a barrier to protect communities on the shore.
In Mantoloking, a steel wall went up along an existing dune, extending 16 feet above sea level, despite some residents protesting it would block their view.
Gov. Chris Christie blasted another Shore town for refusing to put up dunes.
"I'll say it again quite candidly to towns like Margate, you know you are among the most selfish people in the state of New Jersey," said the governor earlier this week. "And if this hurricane had come close to the shore, the damage that would have been to lives and property in Margate...I hope it's worth the vanity act that you're all engaging in."
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