‘There is No Beach’: Hurricane Erin’s Rough Waves Rip Jersey Shore Coastline

Even though Hurricane Erin was hundreds of miles away in the Atlantic, its power was felt along the Jersey Shore. As summer vacationers prepared for one of the last big weekends of the season, the storm’s high waves and tidal surges washed away vast chunks of sand, leaving some coastal communities with severely degraded beaches.

Local leaders in Cape May, Atlantic, and Ocean counties assessed the storm’s damage Friday. Although protective dunes prevented direct flooding in many spots, officials said the beaches themselves took the greatest blow, making some sections practically impassable.

Cape May County Beaches Disappear Overnight

Mayor Curtis Corson of Upper Township saw tremendous erosion, especially on the north end. He said water reached the dunes, making the beach unsafe for residents and lifeguards. He said, “There is no beach,” emphasizing the instant and devastating loss.

Damage was also severe in nearby Avalon. Mayor John McCorristin claimed that approximately 40 feet of beach lost overnight, adding to summer weather erosion. The north end of Avalon’s beaches was removed while the dune system held. Though a few automobiles and golf carts were briefly flooded, the town suffered no severe damage.

However, Cape May did better. Mayor Zachary Mullock said the city’s dunes took the brunt of the damage, causing little erosion. Ongoing replenishing projects prevented roadway flooding, he said. “That water would’ve been in our roads for sure,” he said without beach replenishment.

Ocean County Sand Loss Is Heavy

Ocean County reported extensive beach damage. Mayor William Curtis of Bay Head was frustrated to see gates ripped down and fresh sand washed away weeks after a pricey replenishment project. He said, “I’m very disappointed,” because the storm’s harsh tide and smashing surf destroyed the job swiftly.

Seaside Heights was mostly unharmed. Mayor Tony Vaz stated the beaches have little erosion and little flooding compared to nearby towns.

North Wildwood and Atlantic City Perform Mixedly

Storm waves hit Atlantic City’s north-end beaches again. The city spent $40 million on a massive fill project to replace over a million cubic yards of offseason sand. It appears most of that effort is gone. City officials are currently reviewing the damage but expect federal recovery aid.

Mayor Patrick Rosenello said that North Wildwood lost and gained sand in various coastline areas following severe storms, a frequent experience. Some sand cliffs were three feet high, officials said. Rosenello said seawalls, bulkheads, and dune systems again reduced damage.

Shore Protection Is Vital

Hurricane Erin never hit New Jersey, but its winds caused waves that reshaped the coastline. Protective dunes and replenishment initiatives saved far worse damage, Shore officials agreed. The erosion shows the delicate balance coastal towns face each summer as tourism and nature sculpt the beaches.

Many cities will consider how to restore visitor safety while preparing for future storms in the busy hurricane season as Labor Day approaches.

Sources:

NJ Advance Media, Local Mayor Statements, National Weather Service