Title: Storm Ophelia Causes Flooding and Erosion Concerns at Jersey Shore
At the Jersey Shore, Storm Ophelia has brought heavy rain and strong winds, leading to road flooding and worries about beach erosion. As the rough surf pounded the coast, officials expressed concerns about the impact on the shoreline.
In Sea Isle City, some streets experienced minor flooding, while others were completely submerged. Worried homeowners kept a close watch, determined to prevent floodwaters from entering their homes. Sara Todd, a resident, expressed her surprise at the severity of the situation, stating, It’s crazy, I mean, I wasn’t expecting it to be this bad. Driving her car to higher ground on 42nd Street and Central Avenue, she navigated through the standing water.
While some vehicles managed to plow through the floodwaters, other roads became impassable. Sea Isle City police had to block off the Townsends Inlet Bridge due to flooding on the Avalon side. Waves crashed ferociously against the roadway, visible from a distance.
For many visitors like Kelley O’Leary from Warrington Township, it was an unfortunate timing for their girls’ weekend getaway, a yearly tradition. O’Leary, along with her friends, confessed to knowingly coming down to the shore in spite of the weather forecast. At the beach, flags flapped relentlessly in the wind, while powerful waves with white caps relentlessly battered the shoreline. Residents noted that the waves were right up against the dunes, whereas normally, one would have to walk 20 yards to reach the beach during high tide.
Claire Walsh from Morristown described the atmosphere at the bay as even more untamed, saying, We were actually on the bay a couple of minutes ago and it was more wild down there and we just got soaked and this is like calm.
The storm had implications beyond flooded roads and stormy beaches. Leo Fontana expressed concern over the storm’s economic impact on the area, particularly for nearby Wildwood where a significant event was planned. I think it’s a shame for Irish Weekend, he lamented, emphasizing the losses suffered by local businesses and the missed opportunity for a typically enjoyable weekend.
From the onset, power outages were a major concern. Atlantic City Electric reported that approximately 11,000 households were without power. Down the coast in Cape May, minor road flooding was observed, but the water receded almost as quickly as it appeared. Streets such as Washington and Grant experienced flooding of about 1.5-2 inches deep.
Residents and businesses prepared for the storm, with customers flocking to Swain’s Hardware to purchase supplies such as flashlights, batteries, and bungee cords. The storm disrupted plans at Harry’s Ocean Bar and Grille, forcing an outdoor wedding to be moved indoors and dinner reservations relocated to a covered patio.
Due to the rough waves and choppy waters of the Atlantic Ocean, all Cape May Ferry trips were canceled for safety reasons.
As Storm Ophelia continues to impact the Jersey Shore, residents, officials, and businesses remain vigilant, hoping for improved conditions in the days ahead.
