Coastal Storm Pounds Jersey Shore on September 11, 2009

A strong coastal storm dumped 2 to 3 inches of rain and produced strong winds and beach erosion along the Jersey Shore on Friday, September 11, 2009. The storm brought a large amount of sand onto the boardwalks and roadways along the beaches from Asbury Park to Cape May. The ABC TV affiliate, WPVI in Philadelphia reported:

A powerful coastal storm brought blinding rain and high winds that felled trees on major roadways and rail lines, flooded low-lying areas, and made travel hazardous Friday morning along the U.S. east coast. Parts of New Jersey and Delaware remained under a tornado watch until midday, and wind gusts of 55 mph or more left thousands without power. More than four inches of rain had fallen by mid-morning. In New Jersey, a main route leading into the beach resort of Wildwood was closed and school was canceled due to flooding. A tree that fell on train tracks halted rail service along the Jersey shore for part of the morning commute, and a similar incident delayed suburban Philadelphia commuters.

George Wright, AMS Certified Consulting Meteorologist and President of Wright Weather Consulting, Inc. View our web site at WrightWeather.com.