Nor'easter Leaves Brigantine Shoreline Devastated as Power Restored

Key points

• Brigantine residents reported significant beach and dune erosion, with collapsed ramps and exposed rocks along the promenade.
• New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency for eight counties, including Ocean and Monmouth, after the storm caused waist-deep flooding and vehicle rescues.
• The storm killed one person in Brooklyn when a tree fell, and left nearly 20,600 customers without power in New York as of Sunday evening.
• Forecasters expect the storm to weaken and drift north on Monday, though heavy rain and high tides will persist through the day.
• The event is considered the first of several potential East Coast storms this fall due to an El Niño climate pattern.

Background

Our earlier coverage noted that this nor'easter was forecast to bring 40-50 mph winds and 15-18 foot waves, risking significant dune scarping. The storm's impact has been less severe than Superstorm Sandy but has caused widespread disruption across the tri-state area.

How outlets are covering it

6abc Philadelphia focused on the local impact in Brigantine, highlighting resident distress over the loss of beachfront and the beginning of cleanup efforts. NBC 4 New York emphasized the broader regional impact, including the fatality in Brooklyn, power outages on Long Island, and the cancellation of major events like the Global Citizen Festival. The New York Times provided a comprehensive view of the storm's weakening status, noting that while coastal flood warnings were canceled in some areas, river flood warnings remained, and highlighted the El Niño connection as a driver for future storms.

Why it matters

The storm highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of fall nor'easters due to El Niño, which can cause significant coastal erosion and infrastructure damage. The ongoing cleanup and potential for further storms pose challenges for coastal communities and emergency services.

What to watch

Utility crews will continue restoring power and cleaning up debris throughout the week. Residents are advised to remain vigilant of high tides and strong winds through Monday morning. Forecasters expect the storm to fully depart by Tuesday, bringing clearer weather.