Nor’Easter Brings Wild Waves, Beach Erosion to Island Beaches

On Ocean County’s northern barrier island, the story of Monday’s nor’easter wasn’t snow.

Roads were clear, but the ocean’s thunderous wrath could be felt blocks from the beach. Waves battered the shoreline as winds gusted to more than 50 m.p.h., turning a combination of sleet and wet sand into mini daggers hurled toward anyone who ventured outdoors.

Ocean water laps at the dunes in Ortley Beach during the Feb. 1-2 nor’easter, 2021. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

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Beaches, like this one at Third Avenue in Ortley Beach, suffered significant erosion. Even at low tide waves lapped at the dune line and blowing sand buried fencing and entranceways.

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The Feb. 1-2 nor’easter rolls through, Feb. 1, 2021. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

The Feb. 1-2 nor’easter rolls through, Feb. 1, 2021. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

The Feb. 1-2 nor’easter rolls through, Feb. 1, 2021. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

A coastal flood warning remains in effect until 5 p.m. for the bayside. But the ocean is expected to keep roaring for at least another 24 hours. Seas will run 7-10 feet Tuesday morning, diminishing to 6-8 feet by afternoon. Winds will still be gusting 30 knots by Tuesday night.