JERSEY SHORE, NJ — Communities along the Jersey Shore are recovering on Monday after a nor'easter tore through parts of the Garden State over the weekend.
Beginning on Friday night, the autumn storm brought heavy rain, coastal flooding, and wind gusts of over 50 MPH to parts of New Jersey, and rendered thousands of homes and businesses powerless.
Towns along the Jersey Shore got the worst of the storm, as flooding drenched local businesses and homes and led to the closure of bridges onto the barrier islands from Monmouth County to Cape May.
In Keyport, a sailboat broke loose during the storm and tore out the railing of the waterfront promenade it was docked at.
"This is what I'm looking at...sailboat went right through our dock," Victor Hartley of the Keyport Princess fishing charter can be heard saying in the video.
In Surf City, one couple reported a possible shark sighting to News 12 NJ on Saturday.
According to the report, the couple saw the shark from their front porch as it swam by them in flood waters before going back underwater.
In Rumson, CBS News also reported a fox swimming through floodwater during the storm.
The borough not only had local wildlife floating around, but also reported multiple electrical fires, flooded homes, downed trees and wires and trapped cars as a result of the nor'easter.
"A falling tree even tried to take out one of Oceanic Fire Company's Engines yesterday on Rumson Road falling seconds ahead of the Engine," Oceanic Hook & Ladder Fire Company No. 1 said.
In Cape May, a beloved seafood restaurant has also suffered damage from the September storm.
As of Monday morning, the Lobster House (located on Fisherman's Wharf) is partially open — the fish market is open, as are take-out and the coffee shop. The rest remains closed until further notice.
"Thank you friends and faithful! The outpouring of concern from you has been overwhelming," the Lobster House said in a social media post. "We're working hard to get back to normal and will share that news as soon as possible!"
In Atlantic County, several people were rescued on Saturday morning after floodwaters filled two motels in Egg Harbor Township, 6 ABC reported.
According to the report, the flooding occurred just after 9 a.m. on Saturday at the Travel Inn and New Sea Breeze motels.
"Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company subsequently responded with their high-water rescue vehicle, equipment, and firefighters to rescue nine adults and one canine from rooms; one adult was in a wheelchair." Egg Harbor Township Police said.
In addition to communities along the Jersey Shore, parts of North Jersey also felt the brunt of the nor'easter over the weekend.
During the first wave of high winds and heavy rain on Friday night, the roof of the YMCA on Wits End Road in Hardyston was ripped off, according to representatives.
"Following last night's storm, our Sussex County branch sustained significant roof damage," officials said. "A roofing company has already been dispatched, and our team is assessing the full extent of the damage."
Vince Sera, the Mayor of Brigantine, is also one of multiple municipalities along the shore to report beach erosion as a result of the nor'easter.
"Beach erosion and damage at 14th Street," Sera posted on Sunday. "Looks like we lost half our beach."
According to a report from NJ.com, Atlantic City, Ocean City and Harvey Cedars (a borough on LBI) also experienced beach erosion as a result of the storm.
During a press conference on Sunday, Governor Mikie Sherrill said the state is aware of the current erosion, and that the NJ DEP "assessed our water treatment facilities, dams, and beaches prior to the storm so we can properly track any damage," the report said.
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