Here's How Ocean City Beaches Fared During Recent Nor'easter

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City beaches suffered moderate 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.

Ocean City is listed by the DEP as containing historical hot spots for erosion in the area.

Effects of the storm were mitigated by recent beach replenishment efforts. Additionally, 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."

Ocean City experienced "moderate" damage, meaning there was significant beach scarping and/or significant sloped erosion of the beach berm and/or minor erosion of the dunes, in portions or in all of the area assessed, according to the DEP.

"Up to 210’ of sloped beach erosion throughout the City. Wave runup/tide to the upper beach/dune," the DEP reported. "Local sand stockpiles placed during recently completed beachfill project significantly eroded. Small area of vertical dune scarping at 58th St."