Jersey Shore Residents Dealing With Nor'easter, Relieved They're Likely Avoiding Hurricane
By Mike DeNardo
MARGATE, N.J. (CBS) - New Jersey shore towns are being battered by rain, wind and heavy surf. But it appears the shore will escape the wrath of Hurricane Joaquin.
Gusty winds blew the rain sideways in Margate Friday morning. Rob Boyce says it looks like a typical nor'easter so far:
"I live on the oceanfront in a ten-story building, and just looked out the window. There's heavy wave action and a lot of wind."
Residents are concerned about flooding along the back bays. Some told KYW Newsradio water was up to the parking level of one high rise Thursday night at high tide. Boyce says the weather may be bad, but at least it's not a hurricane:
"I've lived here all my life and this is pretty normal. Nothing Margate can't handle, no."
Local John Toland seconds that:
"Just a normal rainy day to me right now. Now, the storm's coming, we'll see. I stayed here during Sandy also. I never left. But I'm on high ground, so I didn't have any damage."
Still, schools were closed for the day in Brigantine and Ocean City.
Friday night, there was still steady rain and gusty winds in Ocean City.
Drivers navigated their way through flooded streets very carefully, while others backed away from the rising water.
"Mother Nature is going to do what it's going to do. We're just trying to ease our mind," said Dave Branco.
Branco drove down to check on his shore home. He's hoping for the best, fearing the worst.
Barricades kept folks at bay along Bay Avenue, as street after street began to flood.
"This afternoon at high tide it came lapping up here. Of course there's a wake from the cars going by and then it goes back and it will be back again tonight at midnight," said Bob Mack.
While Mack moved some items to higher ground, some businesses boarded up for the night.
Hours earlier, up and down the Jersey shore an angry ocean foreshadowed the night ahead.
High tide is expected at midnight.
A coastal flood warning remains in effect.
