On September 26, 2023 a dog cruised calmly through floodwaters in a kayak, capturing the surreal reality of New Jersey communities reeling from a nor'easter. The nor'easter swept the Jersey Shore on September 26-27, 2023, with violent waves and storm surge from Ocean City in the south to The MetLife Stadium in the north. ("MetLife Stadium, N.J." | "Ocean City, N.J." | "CONNOR COULTER" | "ROBIN SHAFFER" | "NBC NEWS")
The Storm Surge — Coastal New Jersey Under Water
The Jersey Shore is vulnerable to storm surge. A nor'easter is a type of storm that brings sustained winds from the northeast, pushing ocean water inland. This results in a storm surge, where seawater elevates water levels, causing wide-spread flooding. The lingering aftermath of Nor’easter leaves coastal roads impassible, and the power outages persist into the night. The storm surge in New Jersey really underscored another vulnerability: sandy shorelines. The storm surge can move inland as far as 30 miles at its peak. It is not just a threat to buildings and infrastructure: it can erode shorelines, washing away sand and causing long-term damage. The damage may destroy ecosystems, disrupts beach ecosystems. and destroy habitats for birds and other animals. ** ** In New Jersey, storm surges are likely to be accompanied by snow and ice throughout the year.
Maximizing Damage — Big Buildings Get Battered
On September 26, 2023, ocean storm surges battered Ocean City and reached as far inland as the MetLife football stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. MetLife Stadium’s 1,772,000 square foot roof, built in 2010, was designed to resist strong winds and heavy rainfall; and the stadium was prepared for flooding. The MetLife Stadium already has flood defenses in place, but the flooding still happened. The MetLife Stadium was also ready to roll in the event of such a result and the aftermath of seawater hitting the walls meant that the parking lot was underwater. The stadium parking lot is on a low point, making it highly vulnerable to flooding.
The Kayak Rescue
The storm also turned a regular afternoon walk on the boardwalk into a high-seas adventure for some pets. Facebook took to the high seas in a kayak, in a flood. Facebook / OCNJ Local and CONNOR COULTER provided footage of a concerned pet owner. If you see a neighbor in a kayak during a storm, the usual instincts are to pull over and help. This plucky pet owner in Ocean City, though, started his kayak, and loaded his pooch into the front of the inflatable one-seat craft. It’s not the best way to get around, but it makes sense in a city that’s underwater.
Crashing Waves
The waves were pictured by NBC NEWS storm chasing videographers, Connor Coulter and Robin Shaffer. NBC News storm chasers captured late-stage nor easter waves on September 26, 2023. The waves can typically reach heights of 12 feet. Considered the fifth strongest storm, this nor'easter came at the end of a decade of particularly severe winter weather (2016 through 2023) and included severe flooding throughout the Jersey Shore.
The Boats In The Water
Boats in the water in Ocean City, NJ. Ocean City, NJ is a beach and fishing community. It is a city with private and commercial docks along the bay. This community is a fishing opportnity for many New Jersey fishermen.
Pets at Risk — How to and How Not to Survive Inland Waterways
In coastal areas with a nor'easter, you need to be prepared with an evacuation plan.
- Emergency Kit: Prepare a kit for each of your pets, with necessary pet supplies, such as a collar, leash and feeding supplies. Also, pet carriers and crates should be prepared so your pet can be more comfortable during the storm. Doing this can make your pet feel safer and more secure in case of flooding.
- Evacuation Plan: Keep your pet on a collar and leash until you are in a safe area where you can release them from the collar and leash. In case of an accident or injury, this will make it easier for you to get them to a safe area and shelter them.
- After the Storm: Be careful when returning to areas that have been flooded. Inspect your home thoroughly for any structural damage or health hazards. You should look for any debris that may have been washed up onto your property. You should also check for any visible signs of damage to your roof, windows, and doors.
The Storm Comes Again
In the days to follow, thanks to the Internet, the storm, will eventually be understood as just another soggy chapter of South Jersey's history.
Questions readers ask
What exactly is a nor'easter and how does it cause storm surges?
A nor'easter is a type of storm that brings sustained winds from the northeast, which push ocean water inland. This results in a storm surge, where seawater elevates water levels, causing widespread flooding. In New Jersey, these storms can move inland as far as 30 miles at their peak, posing a significant threat to coastal communities and ecosystems.
Why was MetLife Stadium particularly vulnerable to flooding during this storm?
MetLife Stadium's parking lot is situated on a low point, making it highly vulnerable to flooding. Despite having flood defenses in place, the stadium still experienced significant flooding due to the storm surge reaching as far inland as East Rutherford, NJ.
How did the nor'easter impact the coastal areas of New Jersey, and what kind of damage did it cause?
The nor'easter caused widespread flooding and erosion along the Jersey Shore, from Ocean City in the south to MetLife Stadium in the north. The storm surge washed away sand, damaged ecosystems, and disrupted habitats for birds and other animals. Additionally, the storm left coastal roads impassable and resulted in persistent power outages.
What measures are typically taken to prepare for such storms, and were they effective in this case?
Coastal communities often have flood defenses and preparedness plans in place. However, the severity of this nor'easter highlighted the challenges of protecting large infrastructure like MetLife Stadium, which still experienced flooding despite preparations.
How did residents and visitors in Ocean City, NJ, cope with the storm?
Residents and visitors in Ocean City, NJ, had to adapt to the unusual circumstances. For example, a pet owner took to the streets in a kayak to navigate the flooded city, showcasing the resourcefulness and resilience of the community in the face of such a storm.
How did the storm compare to other severe weather events in the region?
This nor'easter was considered the fifth strongest storm of the decade (2016 through 2023), and it came at the end of a period marked by particularly severe winter weather. The storm's impact included severe flooding throughout the Jersey Shore, making it a notable event in the region's history.
What kind of impact did the storm have on the local wildlife and ecosystems?
The storm surge not only caused widespread flooding but also disrupted beach ecosystems and destroyed habitats for birds and other animals. The erosion of shorelines and the washing away of sand posed long-term threats to the local wildlife and ecosystems.
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