SEA BRIGHT, New Jersey (WABC) -- Coastal communities along the Jersey Shore faced flooding, powerful winds and rough surf Saturday as a nor'easter moved through the region, leaving roads underwater, stranding vehicles and raising concerns about conditions around high tide.
Oceanfront areas were among the hardest hit. In Ocean City, large waves crashed onto the shoreline as the storm churned offshore.
In Monmouth County, conditions changed rapidly throughout the day. Along Ocean Boulevard near Sea Bright, floodwaters rose and receded within minutes, leaving some vehicles partially submerged. Officials warned motorists not to drive through flooded roadways because submerged debris and other hazards may be hidden beneath the water.
Flooded streets disrupted travel in Sea Bright, Monmouth Beach and Long Branch, where residents and visitors encountered impassable roads and standing water. Concerns also grew for homes along the shoreline as floodwaters pushed inland.
"Just like the homes you know, I feel bad for all the homes living along the shoreline, probably so much water in their houses, probably going through so much stress and chaos right now," said Joe Henry.
Along Ocean Boulevard and Avenel, several cars were stuck in floodwaters as New Jersey transportation crews shut down streets and cleared debris.
Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden said officials were closely monitoring the high tide.
The sheriff said officials issued a voluntary evacuation in low-lying sections of Manasquan, particularly near the inlet and around Main Street, where flooding was a concern during periods of high water.
"There was voluntary evacuation down in Manasquan. And, so, you know, that little area definitely flooded. That was near high water, down by the Manasquan, inlet as well as, you know, up to about Main Street," Golden said.
Utility crews also mobilized across the region to respond to power outages and storm-related damage. Residents in inland communities reported relatively minor flooding but said conditions along the coast appeared significantly worse.
Officials said they did not expect additional voluntary evacuations Saturday evening but would continue monitoring conditions. Authorities also urged residents to keep 911 lines open for emergencies and use non-emergency numbers to report issues such as downed power lines and service outages.
Emergency crews responded to several incidents in Sea Bright, including the rescue of a woman and her dog after their vehicle became trapped in floodwaters. Firefighters later reunited the woman with her husband.
Officials and residents expressed cautious relief as the first major high-tide cycle appeared to pass without the severe flooding some had feared. While moderate flooding was reported, conditions in Sea Bright appeared less severe than anticipated, and water levels had begun to recede by late morning.
Weather conditions fluctuated throughout the day, with periods of torrential rain followed by lulls. Sustained winds were estimated at 20 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching 40 mph or higher at times.
Despite improving conditions in Sea Bright, emergency management officials warned that additional flooding remained possible as future high-tide cycles approached. They said persistent onshore winds could limit how much water recedes before the next round of higher tides, potentially worsening flooding later in the day.
Authorities urged residents to avoid driving through flooded roadways and to allow first responders to work safely as the storm continued to impact the region.
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."
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