Island Beach, Barnegat Lighthouse State Parks Close As Coastal Storm Nears

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — Island Beach State Park and Barnegat Lighthouse State Park will close for all use at dusk Friday, Sept. 25, because of an impending nor'easter.

Both parks are expected to remain closed through Sunday. Before either park reopens, staff will assess storm impacts to make sure the areas are safe for visitors.

According to the notice, reopening updates will be posted on New Jersey State Parks social media channels. Updates also will be shared through the Island Beach State Park and Barnegat Lighthouse State Park email lists.

The National Weather Service says the biggest flooding threat is expected in the back bay areas, including Barnegat Bay.

The flooding will persist throughout Saturday, the weather service says, but there will be multiple rounds matching the high tide cycles through Saturday night and into Sunday.

The coastal flooding also will be increased by the effects of Saturday's full moon and the persistent northeast-to-north winds pushing water toward the coast.

The high tides are expected at about 7:10 p.m. Friday, 7:30 a.m. and 7:48 p.m. Saturday, and at 8:07 a.m. on Sunday. Back bay tides are expected at 11:46 p.m. Friday, 12:07 p.m. Saturday, and at 12:24 a.m. and 12:43 p.m. Sunday.

Beach erosion is also expected.