SEA BRIGHT, New Jersey (WABC) — Coastal flooding and strengthening winds continues to pummel parts of the Jersey Shore on Sunday as New Jersey remains under a state of emergency, with officials urging residents to stay off flooded roads and prepare for worsening conditions around high tide.
Flooding was already visible in low-lying areas of Monmouth County early Sunday morning, including the intersection of Ocean Avenue and River Street in Sea Bright, where water covered portions of the roadway. While flooding was not widespread across the area, officials warned conditions could deteriorate as high tide approached.
Eight New Jersey counties remain under a state of emergency that was declared ahead of the coastal storm. The designation puts law enforcement, emergency management officials and first responders on heightened alert as the threat of flooding and dangerous surf continues.
Businesses along the shore took precautions by placing sandbags outside storefronts after coastal flooding accompanied Saturday evening’s high tide. Sea Bright, which sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Shrewsbury River, is particularly vulnerable to flooding during coastal storm events.
Strong winds were the primary concern Sunday morning, with gusts whipping rain sideways and causing traffic signals and street signs to sway. Forecasters warned winds could continue to increase throughout the day.
Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and respect road closures.
“When we have the sustained winds, drainage will be poor with the pressure that’s on the surf, so stay off the roads,” Golden said. “Heed the local road closures by your local police departments and emergency managers. And certainly we don’t want to have our first responders out there doing any rescues.”
Officials emphasized that drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roadways, warning that water depth and roadway conditions may be impossible to judge. Electronic warning signs posted near the shore carried a blunt message for motorists: “Don’t drown.”
A high surf warning also remains in effect, creating dangerous conditions along area beaches and in the ocean. Officials urged residents and visitors to stay out of the water and continue monitoring weather alerts as the storm moves through the region.
