Ortley Beach Dune Work Pauses As Nor'easter Arrives

TOMS RIVER, NJ — As Toms River officials warn residents to take precautions ahead of a nor'easter that is moving up the coast, beach replenishment work and dune construction that is getting closer to completion has been paused.

The Facebook group Friends of Ortley Beach posted video Thursday showing work that was being done to shore up the dunes in Ortley Beach ahead of the storm.

The group said they were told the dredges were being moved to Sandy Hook Bay for protection while the nor'easter moves through.

The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood warning for Ocean County starting at 7 a.m. Saturday; a high wind advisory is in effect from Friday evening through noon Saturday, with winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour expected and gusts to 50 mph.

The Toms River Office of Emergency Management is urging residents to make sure lawn ornaments, furniture and other outdoor items are secure.

The National Weather Service says low-lying areas could be flooded with 1 to 2 feet of water at high tides.

High tide is between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. along the oceanfront on Saturday; back bay high tides lag behind the oceanfront high tides, so lowlying areas will be at risk from early afternoon onward. Road flooding is possible on the barrier island, the weather service said.

Ocean waves are expected to be 8 to 12 feet.

The Army Corps of Engineers' current project estimates say the work on Ortley Beach is expected to be completed in early December.

Work in the north beaches in Toms River just started and currently is anticipated to be finished in mid-January.

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Image via video by Robert Chankalian, Toms River Township