Full Breakdown
Nor'easter Ravages New Jersey Shore: Record Erosion, Flooding and Ongoing Recovery
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Background & Context
The erosion was the worst the region has experienced since Hurricane Sandy in 2012, a storm that prompted extensive dune-building and beach-replenishment projects. Many shore towns completed sand-replenishment contracts in 2024-2025, adding millions of cubic yards of sand to protect homes and infrastructure. Officials credit those projects for preventing more extensive flooding, but the September nor'easter stripped away much of the newly placed material before it could fully settle.
Data & Statistics
| Metric | Reported Figure |
|---|---|
| Dune loss (Atlantic City) | ? 50 % of dunes removed |
| Barrier reduction (Holgate) | From ? 150 ft to ? 50 ft |
| Dune slope steepness (several sites) | ? 20° |
| Cliff height created (Atlantic City) | 8-10 ft |
| Rainfall (NJ) | > 4 inches |
| Power outages (regional) | > 100,000 customers (PowerOutage.us) |
| NJ power outages (Sept 28) | 22,000 customers (PowerOutage.us) |
| Estimated damage cost (Brigantine) | Tens of millions of dollars (city officials) |
Official Statements & Responses
- Gov. Mikie Sherrill said the state is coordinating with federal partners, the Army Corps of Engineers and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to secure emergency funding and accelerate beach-replenishment work. She warned that “this is just the beginning of storm season.”
- Rep. Jeff Van Drew reported that federal, state and local agencies have been in contact since before the storm and that a FEMA delegation is expected to assess damage later in the week.
- NJDEP Commissioner Ed Potosnak toured the damage, noting that recovery will be “challenging” and that a request for federal aid will be submitted within days.
- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone urged swift surveying of the damage to support a potential disaster declaration and highlighted a $37 million federal allocation for upcoming beach-replenishment projects in Long Branch, Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach.
On-the-Ground Reports
Residents described the rapid loss of sand and the unsettling sight of “beach cliffs” where gentle dunes once lay. Deputy Chief Dave Russo likened the storm to a “beach eater” devouring the shoreline. In Ocean City, business owners reported water infiltrating stores and damage to the Jurassic Beach Dinosaur Park displays.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Power outage figures differ: PowerOutage.us tracked “well over 100,000” customers regionally, whereas a state-level count cited 22,000 NJ customers on September 28.
- Damage cost estimates vary, with Brigantine officials citing “tens of millions” while other municipalities have not released formal valuations.
- Extent of dune loss is still being surveyed; precise measurements will await comprehensive Army Corps assessments later in the week.
What’s Next
- Emergency repairs: Public works crews will begin bulldozer-driven sand placement and dune reinforcement on Wednesday in Long Beach Township and other hard-hit areas.
- Seawall extension: Brigantine’s mayor is working with Rep. Van Drew and the DEP to extend the seawall by 275 ft.
- Federal assistance: A FEMA on-site assessment is expected later this week, followed by a formal request for disaster funding.
- Future replenishment: Scheduled beach-replenishment projects for Atlantic City, Ocean City and other towns are set for November-December, aiming to restore sand lost by the nor'easter before the peak winter storm season.