New Jersey beaches continue to show erosion and damage from Hurricane Erin, stretching from Monmouth County to Cape May. Preliminary state assessments reveal moderate to notable sloped erosion, dune cuts, and fence damage in several towns. Despite the damage, most beaches remain open to the public and continue to protect property.
Monmouth County beaches from Sea Bright to Manasquan experienced minor to moderate sloped erosion. Northern Sea Bright saw deeper cuts in dunes, while southern Deal reported additional beach loss. Surf reached the dunes in several areas, though no dunes were critically damaged.
In Ocean County, beaches from Point Pleasant Beach to southern Seaside Park faced moderate erosion with heavy wave runup. Bay Head and surrounding areas reported damaged dune fences. Long Beach Island showed widespread sloped erosion, with Beach Haven and Holgate experiencing additional dune scarping and crossover damage. Waves reached the upper beach in multiple locations, affecting access points in some areas.
Atlantic City recorded notable beach loss, minor dune scarping, and fence damage north of St. James Place in the North Beach section. Ocean City saw waves washing under the 5th Street boardwalk and cuts from 4th to 11th Street.
Along the southern shore, moderate erosion affected beaches from Strathmere to Cape May City. Northern Strathmere and Avalon saw extra dune cuts. North Wildwood and Wildwood experienced beach loss and flooding, with ponding forming from the boardwalk to the dunes in Wildwood Crest. In Cape May, waves reached the upper beach and breached the dune at Beach Drive and Wilmington Avenue.
Officials said beaches that had not undergone recent replenishment projects suffered the worst erosion, partly due to cuts in federal funding and limited state and local resources. Preliminary assessments indicate that most beaches experienced minor to moderate erosion, while areas prone to damage suffered more significant impacts. A final coastal storm survey and damage assessment report will be released soon by the Department of Environmental Protection.
State and local leaders, along with federal representatives, have begun planning long-term solutions for beach sustainability and erosion mitigation. The DEP continues to monitor conditions along the Shore to ensure public safety as residents and visitors head to the beaches for the upcoming Labor Day weekend.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.