New Jersey Nor’Easter Causes Severe Flooding, Transit Delays and Property Damage

<>

Governor Sherrill Issues Urgent Safety Warnings Amid Severe Coastal Inundation

State officials are managing extensive infrastructure impacts as the nor’easter continues its sweep across New Jersey. Governor Mikie Sherrill reported Sunday morning that severe dune loss has hit Brigantine and Atlantic City. Surf City recorded peak winds of 74 mph, while several coastal communities absorbed three inches of rain with more precipitation expected as the weather system persists.

The state recorded significant power restoration efforts, with nearly 180,000 customers back online by Sunday morning. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities prepositioned repair crews ahead of the storm, deploying over 3,000 employees from JCP&L and PSE&G to handle ongoing grid repairs. Sherrill emphasized a strict directive for motorists, stating, “I want to repeat: do not drive in closed or flooded roadways.” The state Department of Environmental Protection will launch a comprehensive beach damage assessment once conditions stabilize.

Travel Disapprovals: Ground Stops at Newark Liberty and Rail Suspensions

Transportation networks across the region face severe bottlenecks. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop for departures at Newark Liberty International Airport starting at 12:54 p.m. on September 27 due to dangerous winds. The stoppage affected 110 delayed flights and nine cancellations, with average delays hovering around 30 minutes.

https://x.com/kaytlyinann/status/2103670861148586071

Rail commuters experienced major disruptions as NJ Transit suspended North Jersey Coast Line service in both directions between Aberdeen-Matawan and Long Branch because of downed trees across the tracks. Although service briefly resumed earlier Sunday, subsequent tree falls forced renewed suspensions. NJ Transit cross-honored rail tickets on buses while crews cleared debris.

Neighborhood Devastation from Manahawkin to Martinsville

Local communities are grappling with property damage and rising water levels. In Manahawkin, a temporary break in the weather brought sunshine on Sunday afternoon, but East Bay Avenue remained heavily flooded. Water reached residential garages and vehicles, while stray debris, including a displaced refrigerator, floated through local neighborhoods. Several residents noted that the flood levels rival those seen during Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

Property destruction extended inland. A large tree crashed onto a home, garage, and multiple vehicles in Martinsville on Sunday morning. Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department officials deployed teams to cut vehicles free from the wreckage, though the complete removal of the tree from the primary residential structure remained on hold pending electrical wire evaluations and structural assessments.

Additional impacts forced municipal closures. The Monmouth Beach School announced it will close on Monday, September 28, due to persistent local flooding and severe travel hazards.

Cancellations and Preparations for Subsequent High Tides

Event organizers and local venues canceled public gatherings as wind and rain intensified. The PNC Bank Arts Center canceled Ringo Starr’s scheduled Sunday concert due to severe weather. Venue management confirmed that Ticketmaster purchasers will receive automatic refunds, while third-party ticket holders must contact their original points of purchase.

https://x.com/AnnDelaneyBeach/status/2103848604234301703

Emergency management officials remain on high alert as a secondary high tide approaches Sunday night, followed by another critical high tide cycle around 9 a.m. on Monday. Coastal residents in flood-prone zones are urged to monitor local alerts closely and prepare for prolonged utility and transit delays.

>