š Major Flooding Closes Bridges Along Jersey Shore As Norāeaster Batters New Jersey
A powerful nor'easter is causing major coastal flooding, forcing officials to close several bridges and roads leading to Jersey Shore barrier islands. Authorities urge drivers to stay off the roads as dangerous conditions are expected to continue through Sunday morning.
NEW JERSEY ā Significant coastal flooding from the powerful norāeaster is forcing bridge and roadway closures along the Jersey Shore, restricting access to several barrier island communities from Monmouth County south through Cape May County.
Officials say the combination of the storm, strong onshore winds, elevated tides and the full moon is producing dangerous flooding conditions. Additional flooding is expected during Saturday night and Sunday morning high-tide cycles.
š§ Major Closures Reported
In Seaside Heights, the J. Stanley Tunney Bridge carrying Route 37 onto the barrier island was closed to traffic. The Thomas A. Mathis Bridge remained open for traffic leaving the barrier island at the time of the reported closure.
Access to Long Beach Island was also cut off after flooding forced the Route 72 Causeway to close in both directions. Ship Bottom experienced significant inundation near the base of the causeway.
The bridge into Sandy Hook was closed as flooding and storm conditions impacted the area.
š Atlantic City Seeing Widespread Flooding
Flooding has also created major travel problems in Atlantic City, where Routes 30 and 40 were closed along with the Albany Avenue Bridge.
Several intersections became impassable because of floodwater, while low-lying portions of the city's north and west sides were affected. The Atlantic City Expressway remained open as of late Saturday morning.
In Longport, officials reported the Ocean City-Longport Bridge was being closed to incoming traffic as additional roads flooded.
Officials urged residents and visitors to stay off the roads and warned motorists not to drive around barricades or attempt to cross flooded roadways.
šØ Cape May County Impacts
Further south, the George Redding Bridge into Wildwood was closed because of flooding, while North Wildwood officials restricted incoming traffic.
The ongoing storm conditions also forced the cancellation of the Irish Fall Festival and parade in North Wildwood.
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency Friday for eight counties, including Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem counties, as the norāeaster approached.
The National Weather Service has warned of major coastal flooding along the New Jersey coast, with strong winds and additional flooding possible through the weekend.
ā ļø GSNN SAFETY REMINDER: Never drive through floodwater or move barricades. Road conditions can change rapidly, and emergency crews may have difficulty reaching stranded motorists.
šø Have storm photos or videos from around New Jersey? Send them to Garden State News Network for possible coverage. Please stay safe and do not put yourself in danger to capture footage.
šø Photo By: Ocean County Sheriff's Office