Region bracing for "sucker punch" after Sandy

The threat continues for a strong nor'easter affecting the region during today and tomorrow. This storm will bring heavy rainfall, high winds particularly near coastal sections, coastal flood warning today and moderate to severe beach erosion.

The following is a press release from the Cape May County Emergency Management Communications Center...

PRESS RELEASE

COURT HOUSE – The Cape May County Emergency Management Communications Center will be manned for the next 24 hours due to the Nor’easter impacting our region. This nor’easter will have greater impact than usual because of the serious impacts from Coastal Storm Sandy.

As of now we can expect the following:

Wind – 25-35 mph with gusts to 55 to 65 mph
Rain – 2”-4” through tomorrow morning
Tides- 2.5’ – 4’ above normal

Expect moderate tidal flooding in low lying areas at time of high tide early Thurs. morning. There will be moderate to severe beach erosion during this event.

Currently, county road crews are salting bridges and roadways in the Northwest section of the county.

The following Roads and Bridges remain closed at this time:

• City of Cape May – The North end of Beach Drive (CR604) between Baltimore Avenue and Wilmington Avenue is closed because it is covered in sand over 6 feet deep. Contractor is working on this site and we anticipate reopening sometime this weekend.

• Ocean Drive (CR619) from 4th Avenue to Townsends Inlet Bridge in Avalon is closed indefinitely because the roadway was severely damaged and portions of the roadway have washed away.

Additionally, NJDOT has closed Ocean Drive north of the Ocean City – Longport Bridge due to emergency construction activity.