Here's How Long Beach Island Fared During Recent Nor'easter

LONG BEACH ISLAND, NJ — Long Beach Island beaches suffered minor to major damage in the recent nor'easter, according to a report by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

The report, released Oct. 2, outlines what happened to Jersey Shore beaches during the period of time where there were strong winds and then a nor'easter, Sept. 21 through Sept. 28.

Coastal experts examined 240 locations during assessments, according to the DEP.

"The storm intensified the already strong winds affecting the coast which contributed to higher seas, very rough surf and multiple rounds of significant tidal flooding throughout the weekend," the DEP said.

Several LBI towns were listed by the DEP as containing historical hot spots for erosion in the area, including Loveladies, Harvey Cedars, Surf City, North Beach, Brant Beach through North Beach Haven, Beach Haven and Holgate.

The sand is likely not entirely gone, according to the DEP.

"While much of the 'dry' beach area may appear lost, the sand is often redistributed within the beach profile system, such as the creation or enlargement of offshore sand bars," the DEP said. "With a period of calm seas, the return of portions of the 'dry' beach can occur in time following the storm."

Barnegat Light, Surf City, North Beach in Long Beach Township and Ship Bottom experienced "minor" damage. This is described by the DEP as "redistribution of sand within the beach profile or loss of sand without significant scarping or significant sloped erosion, in portions or all of the reach assessed."

Loveladies and Harvey Cedars both experienced "moderate" damage. Loveladies saw up to 90 feet of sloped beach erosion, while Harvey Cedars had up to 50 feet. Both experienced vertical beach scarping of up to 10 feet in height.

The worst damage was seen in Brant Beach, Beach Haven and Holgate, according to the DEP. These areas experienced "major" damage, defined as "significant or total beach berm loss and/or significant erosion and scarping of the dunes, in portions or all of the reach assessed."

Here, there was up to 75 feet of sloped beach erosion. In Beach Haven and Holgate, vertical beach scarping reached nearly 20 feet. Wave runup/tide reached the upper beach/dune in all areas.

For Beach Haven, this damage was borough-wide. In Holgate, it applies to the southern two-thirds.