Posted on October 15, 2025
UPPER TWP., N.J. — The ocean still raged on Tuesday as the coastal storm made its way out of the area.
Communities along the Jersey shore are still assessing what’s left.
“Preceding the storm, we had about a 14-foot high dune system that extended out about 20-25 feet towards the beach. That is completely eradicated,” said Upper Township Administrator Jimmy Van Zlike.
Officials in Strathmere are now extremely concerned about the homes along Neptune Drive, which are now without the protection of the dune.
On Tuesday evening, Upper Township officials plan to declare a local state of emergency, reaching out to county, state and federal agencies for help.
“As a township, we rely heavily on federal funds and state funds. We can’t do it ourselves, and we need help from others. So we’re going to be reaching out properly,” said Van Zlike.
Strathmere was left with major erosion in August, as crews scrambled to repair beach access paths before Labor Day weekend.
In Ocean City, as surfers tackled the chilly waves, people marveled at what’s left of the beach at 6th Street.
“The dunes — you can’t even walk out onto the beach anymore. It’s so sad,” said Monica Burke of Sicklerville.
“It’s pretty bad,” said Scott Rogerson of Ocean City. “They’re going to have to do a lot of replenishment this winter to get it back to being usable by the spring and summer.”
Ocean City’s mayor says the city will move sand to fill the beaches north of Music Pier before next summer.
Some residents say all this — the flooding and erosion — is a part of life at the shore.
“I’d rather be here than Florida right now,” said Steve Covey of Ocean City.
The state DEP sent out inspectors to assess the beaches on Tuesday.
As for Army Corps of Engineers beach replenishment projects, they have not received federal funding, leaving many Jersey shore communities waiting for updates.
