Nor'easter Caused 'Major' Erosion To Jersey Shore Beaches, Initial Report Says

Major erosion occurred across the Jersey Shore following the recent nor'easter, with wave run-up into the dunes, heavily sloped erosion and coastal protection structures being exposed thanks to the storm's impacts, according to a preliminary assessment by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The DEP released preliminary findings on the storm's impact Thursday; a full report will be posted on the DEP's website here in the coming days.

The damage, which is more notable south of the Manasquan Inlet, is not necessarily due to the nor'easter alone, according to DEP spokesman Larry Hajna.

"While many beaches may have withstood the impacts of the Oct. 12-13 nor’easter, combined impacts of Hurricane Erin, the recent effects of nearby Hurricane Imelda and offshore Hurricane Humberto, and this nor’easter are apparent in the form of more heavily sloped erosion, several groins (coastal protection structures constructed perpendicular to beaches) becoming exposed or more exposed, and more frequent wave runup to upper beaches and seawalls and to or into the dunes," Hajna said.

• RELATED: NJ Beaches Are Open, But Report Shows Shore Damage From Hurricane Erin Remains

Damage stretched from Monmouth County to the southern tip of Cape May County, the DEP found.

Here are some of the notable findings.

Monmouth County

Sea Bright to Manasquan experienced "minor to moderate" sloped erosion. Continued dune erosion and dune scarping (vertical cliffs or cuts) occurred in northern Sea Bright. Beach scarping was seen in locations including Long Branch and in southern Deal. Wave run-up to and into the dunes or to the upper beach occurred throughout the rest of the county.

Northern Ocean County

This area experienced moderate to borderline major sloped erosion with heavy wave run-up and additional dune fence damage in several locations, including Bay Head. Damage to dune crossovers (areas designed to permit pedestrian and/or vehicle access) occurred in several locations, including Bay Head, Mantoloking and Seaside Park. Wave run-up to and into the dunes or to upper beaches occurred throughout the rest of the region.

Long Beach Island

Throughout the island, there was moderate to major sloped erosion, with new and additional dune scarping in Brant Beach, Beach Haven and Holgate in Long Beach Township. Those towns, plus Loveladies, also experienced areas of new and additional dune crossover damage. Areas of vertical dune scarping in excess of 10 feet in height were reported in Beach Haven and Holgate and in excess of 4 feet in height in Brant Beach. Wave run-up to the upper beach and/or into the dunes was reported throughout the rest of the region.

Brigantine through Ocean City

Minor to moderate sloped erosion was seen throughout, with new and additional dune scarping in Brigantine, Atlantic City and Ocean City. Heavy erosion in Atlantic City is focused north of Central Pier (St. James Place) and especially north of Garden Pier (New Jersey Ave.) The focus of heavy erosion in Ocean City is between 1st and 11th streets, with new and additional dune scarping or dune loss in that entire stretch and with wave run-up under the boardwalk at 5th and 6th Street. Some areas of new and additional dune crossover damage were reported in Brigantine, Atlantic City and Ocean City. Areas of vertical dune scarping in excess of 5 feet in height was observed in Brigantine, Atlantic City and Ocean City. Wave run-up to and into the dunes or to the upper beach throughout the rest of the region.

Strathmere through Cape May (Oceanfront)

Moderate to major sloped erosion was seen throughout. New and additional dune scarping or dune loss was reported in northern Strathmere (Upper Township), Avalon and North Wildwood. About two blocks of total or near total dune loss occurred in Strathmere between Seaview and Seacliff Avenues, resulting of wave run-up and overwash on nearby streets. There were some areas of new and additional dune crossover damage reported at locations including Strathmere, Avalon and North Wildwood. Areas of vertical dune scarping in excess of 10 feet in height was reported in Strathmere and Avalon and in excess of 5 feet in height in North Wildwood. There was evidence of notable tide/wave run-up and ponding in Wildwood (to and under the boardwalk) and to the dunes in Wildwood Crest. Wave run-up to and into the dunes or to the upper beach occurred throughout the rest of the region.