Flooding Threat For Toms River Rises As Nor'easter Nears

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The nor'easter moving toward New Jersey is bringing a significant threat of flooding to coastal areas, including Toms River.

For residents of low-lying areas, including those on the bayside of Barnegat Bay in Toms River, the time to prepare is now. 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 11:10 p.m. Friday, 11:38 a.m. and 11:46 p.m. Saturday, and at 12:23 p.m. on Sunday.

That means parts of Toms River that regularly flood with storms are expected to see significant flooding. Residents in those areas may want to park their vehicles at township parking lots such as Castle Park, the Bey Lea complex and other higher area to protect them.

The National Weather Service has listed it as moderate flooding, which the service says means the inundation of secondary roads, possible flooding of structures near the water and there may be evacuations necessary in some areas.

The storm also is anticipated to cause beach erosion. On Friday morning the wind and high tide cycle were driving the waves well up the beach in Ortley Beach, as seen in the video at the bottom of this article, taken about 8:30 a.m.

Wind will continue to be a problem, with the storm expected to bring wind of 30 to 40 mph and gusts to 60 mph, the weather service said. Residents should make sure outdoor items are secured or put away.