whatisit.com - A powerful winter storm brought heavy rain and strong winds to the Jersey Shore on Wednesday, causing widespread flooding, damage, and power outages. The storm, which was the remnants of Tropical Storm Ophelia, dumped up to 4 inches of rain in some areas and produced wind gusts up to 65 mph.
The storm also coincided with high tide, resulting in moderate to major coastal flooding along the shore. Several roads were closed or impassable due to the rising water, and some residents had to move their cars to higher ground or evacuate their homes. The flooding also eroded the beaches and dunes, threatening the shoreline's protection from future storms.
The high winds also knocked down trees, power lines, and signs, leaving thousands of customers without electricity. Some of the hardest-hit areas were Monmouth and Ocean counties, where more than 10,000 customers lost power at the peak of the storm. Crews from Jersey Central Power & Light and Atlantic City Electric worked to restore service as quickly as possible.
The storm also disrupted travel and public services in the region. Several schools and businesses were closed or delayed due to the storm. The NJ Transit suspended some bus and train service due to the flooding and debris on the tracks. The Garden State Parkway and other major highways also experienced delays and closures.
The storm also affected some of the events planned for the holiday season. In Sea Isle City, where some streets were completely flooded, the annual girls' weekend getaway was canceled. In Wildwood, the Irish Weekend festival was postponed due to the storm damage and safety concerns.
The storm finally moved out of the area by Wednesday afternoon, leaving behind a trail of destruction and cleanup. The National Weather Service warned that some minor flooding and wind damage could still occur during the next high tide cycles. The agency also advised residents and visitors to stay away from the beaches and waterways until the conditions improve.
The storm was one of the worst to hit the Jersey Shore in recent years, and some residents compared it to Superstorm Sandy in 2012. However, officials said that the storm was not as severe or widespread as Sandy, and that the recovery would be faster and easier. They also praised the efforts of the emergency responders and utility workers who helped to mitigate the impact of the storm.
The storm also drew attention and support from the state and federal governments. Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, allowing him to mobilize resources and coordinate assistance for the affected areas. President Joe Biden also expressed his concern and solidarity with the people of New Jersey, and offered his help to restore normalcy in the state.
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