Dunes Turned Into Cliffs, Crossovers Destroyed in Ortley Beach Following Nor’Easter

There’s good news and there’s bad news in Ortley Beach.

The good news is that the dune system that was built over the course of years since Superstorm Sandy struck in 2012 worked, holding back the ocean from affecting the township’s boardwalk and nearby homes. But it also carved a chunk out of the beachfront, left cliffs of sand along the way, and destroyed portions of several beach entrances.

Dune damage and beach erosion following the Feb. 1-3, 2021 nor’easter. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

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Dune damage and beach erosion following the Feb. 1-3, 2021 nor’easter. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Dune damage and beach erosion following the Feb. 1-3, 2021 nor’easter. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

The worst-affected area was between Fielder and Fourth avenues, said Toms River Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill.

“Our engineer was over there today looking at everything,” said Hill. “There’s about a 10-foot drop-off, and we lost one or two walkovers.”

Hill said the township will be reaching out to the state Department of Environmental Protection to see if any funding is available for repairs to the beach, especially since New Jersey was under a state of emergency during the storm and its effects on beaches were felt over the course of four days.

Dune damage and beach erosion following the Feb. 1-3, 2021 nor’easter. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Dune damage and beach erosion following the Feb. 1-3, 2021 nor’easter. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

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Dune damage and beach erosion following the Feb. 1-3, 2021 nor’easter. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Dune damage and beach erosion following the Feb. 1-3, 2021 nor’easter. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Dune damage and beach erosion following the Feb. 1-3, 2021 nor’easter. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Dune damage and beach erosion following the Feb. 1-3, 2021 nor’easter. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Dune damage and beach erosion following the Feb. 1-3, 2021 nor’easter. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Dune damage and beach erosion following the Feb. 1-3, 2021 nor’easter. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

“It was a four-day nor’easter and it did damage, but the important part is that the dune held,” Hill said. “If we didn’t have the dune there, we would’ve lost at least some of boardwalk.”

Even in the absence of assistance from the state, Hill said the township will ensure the beaches and entrances are repaired.