Swimming will remain dangerous at the Jersey Shore for a few more days as Hurricane Erin heads away from the East Coast.
Roads down the shore were affected by tidal flooding during high tide Thursday afternoon and evening. Several water rescues were made on the Black Horse and White Horse pikes, according to the National Weather Service. Most of the high water receded within several hours.
Many went to the beach to get an in-person look at the waves that approached 12 feet at some beaches.
Dozens of rescues in Margate City
Over 50 people were evacuated in Margate as the water rose during high tide. The Margate City Fire Department reports they rescued 16 people and three dogs from six vehicles that became stranded.
Fire Chief Dan Adams told the New Jersey 101.5 Morning Show that a mother and her 3-month-old were trapped in one vehicle while another could not open their car door because of the water pressure on the door.
"I cannot stress enough that people need to heed the phrase 'turn around, don't drown.' They need to pay attention and stay out of flood waters. When they see flood water ahead they need to turn around and try a different route," Adams said.
Firefighters also helped 30 people from Sofia restaurant and another four from Tomatoes, both on Amherst Avenue. Adams said that among those rescued was a group celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary. No one was injured and some got a ride home in a rescue truck after their own vehicles became flooded out.
Some areas of the West Atlantic City section of Egg Harbor Township, which is a low-lying area, were evacuated, police Chief Frederick Spano told NJ.com. There were also some water rescues reported in Sea Isle City. Most roads have reopened as the water subsided.
Hurricane Erin stayed off shore and never made landfall on the Jersey Shore but caused high standing water during high tide on 8/21/25
New Jersey 101.5 Chief Meteorologist Dan Zarrow said that while pleasant weather continues this weekend, the rip current may stay high all weekend and high tide will bring more road flooding Friday evening.
Friday evening's high tide cycle will pop above moderate flood stage in spots. Again, there will be water inundation issues on low-lying roads. Ocean high tide is the 7 p.m. hour, with back bays cresting closer to 10 p.m. Tide levels return to normal this weekend.
Waves of 4 to 6 feet are expected on Saturday, while Sunday could bring waves of 2 to 4 feet.
Swimming and beach restrictions for the Jersey Shore (Updated at 11:15 a.m.)
Asbury Park — No swimming is allowed until further notice, according to chief lifeguard Joe Bongiovanni.
Atlantic City - Visitors may only enter the water ankle deep. Boogie boards are prohibited
Beach Haven — No swimming allowed until further notice. Beaches are open.
Cape May — Double red flags posted still posted on Friday. The water is closed for public use and swimming is prohibited.
Island Beach State Park — No swimming, surfing or boogie boarding. Mobile sport fishing closed on Friday. Visitors can walk on the beach to fish. The A15 kayak launch is closed.
Keyport — The boat ramp will be closed Friday. Beach Park is closed until Friday afternoon.
Manasquan — Residents are advised to "stay out of the ocean until deemed safe by beach patrol."
Mantoloking — Double red flags posted. The water is closed for public use and swimming is prohibited until at least Friday.
Ocean City ??? Beaches are open but swimming is not permitted at least through Friday.
Sandy Hook — Swimming is prohibited Friday.
Seaside Heights — Beaches are open but swimming is not permitted.
Ship Bottom - Beaches are open but swimming is not permitted
Wildwood — Beach is closed until the afternoon to allow for debris to be picked up.