Ocean County prepares for tidal flooding, beach erosion and potential evacuations
The nor'easter comes after nearly a full week of strong onshore winds eating away at the new sand and beaches. Tides are predicted to reach major flood stage Saturday morning.
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The Ocean County beaches are expected to take a significant hit from the approaching nor’easter, in an area where millions of dollars have been spent in recent years on extensive beach replenishment.
One of those major trouble areas is in the Ortley Beach section of Toms River. The nor'easter comes after nearly a full week of strong onshore winds eating away at the new sand and beaches. Tides are predicted to reach major flood stage Saturday morning.
Seaside Heights Mayor Tony Vaz expects the bay to flood and is not ruling out voluntary evacuations.
“We are concerned if water is going over the dunes, going over the waterways, and there is the potential of evacuations. If not voluntary evacuation, a thorough evacuation. I don't think that's going to happen. I hope it's not going to happen, but we are prepared for it. Our fire company goes around notifying every resident if we have to evacuate. If they don't have a place to go, we tell them what shelters to go to,” said Mayor Vaz.
The highest tides are expected Saturday morning along the Ocean County beaches.
