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

JERSEY SHORE — Hurricane Erin caused some "notable erosion" along Jersey Shore beaches but overall beaches held up well to the storm, according to 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.

"Preliminary indications are that while notable erosion occurred, primarily along the southern three-fourths of the coast and in areas prone to erosion, beaches overall withstood the impacts of Erin and performed their function in protecting property," DEP spokesman Larry Hajna said.

Still, erosion damage was seen from Monmouth County down to the southern tip of Cape May County, according to the findings.

Earlier this week, Shore mayors met with the DEP and Rep. Jeff Van Drew to discuss solutions for beach erosion and sustainability. Read more: Van Drew Seeks Federal Beach Funds After Meeting With Jersey Shore Mayors

Here's what was found, the DEP said.

Monmouth County

Beaches from Sea Bright to Manasquan experienced "minor to moderate sloped erosion" with a section of Sea Bright seeing additional dune scarping, or cuts. Beach cuts were also experienced in southern Deal.

Wave runup to the dunes or upper beach occurred throughout. This happens when surf over washes a beach but doesn't necessarily result in result in appreciable erosion.

Northern Ocean County

Point Pleasant Beach to southern Seaside Park experienced moderate erosion with heavy wave runup. Dune fences were damaged in Bay Head and a few other places. Surf washed up to the dunes or upper beach.

Long Beach Island

The island experienced moderate sloped erosion throughout, with additional dune scarping in Beach Haven and Holgate. These two areas also experienced additional dune crossover damage. Waves here also reached up to the dunes or upper beach.

Brigantine through Ocean City

Moderate sloped erosion was seen throughout with waves reaching dunes or upper beach areas.

Parts of Atlantic City in particular saw areas of "notable" beach loss, minor dune scarping and some fence damage north of St. James Place in the North Beach section.

Ocean City experienced wave runup under the boardwalk at 5th Street and additional dune scarping from 4th Street to around 11th Street.

Strathmere through Cape May City

More moderate sloped erosion with waves reaching dunes was seen here. Northern Strathmere and Avalon experienced additional dune scarping.

Dune and beach scarping with some beach loss and crossover/access damage was reported in North Wildwood.

There was evidence of notable tide/wave runup and ponding in Wildwood (to and under the boardwalk) and to the dunes in Wildwood Crest.

And in Cape May, wave runup also occurred along the upper beach and over the dune onto Beach Drive at Wilmington Avenue.