Rough Surf, Coastal Flooding Forecast This Week; Inlet Waves Go Wild

Rough surf pounded the Jersey Shore this Columbus Day, keeping swimmers squarely out of the still-mild ocean waters and causing some beach erosion in numerous local communities.

The surf was exceedingly dangerous, with a strong undertoe and a large number of rip currents apparent to the naked eye. The National Weather Service had initially issued a gale warning, which has now been downgraded to a small craft advisory. A Coastal Flood Watch remains in effect for the Tuesday morning high tide period.

Rough surf at Manasquan Inlet, Oct. 11, 2021. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

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Rough surf at Manasquan Inlet, Oct. 11, 2021. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

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Rough surf at Manasquan Inlet, Oct. 11, 2021. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Rough surf at Manasquan Inlet, Oct. 11, 2021. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Rough surf at Manasquan Inlet, Oct. 11, 2021. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Rough surf at Manasquan Inlet, Oct. 11, 2021. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Up to one 6-inches of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways may occur, a statement from the NWS office in Mount Holly said. The affected areas include Barnegat Bay and all of its tributaries.

The small craft advisory will remain in effect until 6 p.m. Turesday, with winds forecast to reach 15 to 30 knots and wave heights six to ten feet offshore all day Tuesday, decreasing to 5 to 6-feet. Fog is likely to move in Tuesday night, with winds subsiding and seas reducing in height to 3 to 4-feet.