Rising tide from nor’easter raises concerns along the Jersey Shore

SEA BRIGHT, New Jersey (WABC) -- Residents and business owners in Sea Bright prepared for rising water as waves from the Atlantic Ocean steadily moved up the beach ahead of peak high tide.

Water had not yet reached the seawall early Saturday but was moving inland through a beach volleyball area as high tide approached. Sea Bright is located about 25 miles south of Manhattan.

Residents and business owners filled sandbags ahead of the storm in an effort to protect their properties from potential flooding. The community faces unique challenges because it sits on a barrier island between the Shrewsbury River and the Atlantic Ocean.

Residents expressed concern while preparing for possible impacts from the rising water.

"I got my not only candles, not many, because that could be dangerous, but, I got ones that I charged for lights and also, I have a little stove to cook things on," one resident said.

Another resident compared the situation to past storms.

"We did Sandy and Irene and all that, and those are way worse. So I hope it's nowhere near anything like that," the resident said.

As waves continued to batter the shoreline, residents hoped sandbags and other preparations would help protect homes and businesses as the tide moved in.

Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency for eight New Jersey counties ahead of the storm.

The emergency declaration covers Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem counties, where forecasters expect the storm's most severe impacts.

The order activates the State Emergency Operations Center and coordinates response efforts among state and local agencies, including the New Jersey State Police, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Transportation and county emergency management offices.

Toni Yates has more from Manasquan.
In Ocean City, waves have been pounding the shore and washing away sand ahead of the storm, raising concerns about significant beach erosion as conditions worsen.

Residents have been preparing ahead of the rain, with many planning to move their cars to higher ground because of flooding concerns.

Officials in Manasquan, New Jersey, have issued a voluntary evacuation for residents in non-elevated structures in low-lying, flood-prone areas, especially elderly residents and individuals with special needs.

Officials also advised residents that Main Street, Brielle Road, and Ocean Avenue will likely be impassable for several hours spanning multiple tide cycles.

Minor to moderate coastal flooding is expected to continue, with coastal flood warnings and advisories in effect along the shore.

Officials are urging people along the coast to remain alert and stay off flooded roads.

"You don't want your vehicle driving through that much water at all. This is not a puddle. Your low lying vehicles will quickly become disabled and damaged, and you know we don't want to see equipment and people get hurt," Atlantic City Fire Department's Scott Evans said. "You could be hurt just trying to get out of your car, treading through some of these flooded waters down the streets."

Power outages are also a concern this weekend. Residents are being urged to prepare by charging their devices ahead of time and removing outdoor furniture or decorations that could be blown away by strong winds.

The nor'easter is expected to be a long-duration event, with strong winds, rain, coastal flooding and beach erosion continuing through the weekend and into Monday.