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In preparation of Hurricane Jose’s worst, the Asbury Park Department of Public Works employees are building a protective berm along the ocean’s edge, OEM Coordinator Garrett Giberson Jr said.

“We have some high surf due to the tides,” Giberson said of current conditions. “We are doing this as a precautionary measure.”

The high surf is expected to batter the Jersey Shore coastline, producing beach erosion and dangerous swimming conditions, according to forecasters from weather.gov. Hurricane Jose was located approximately 270 miles southeast of Atlantic City at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday.  New Jersey.

Giberson said the DPW team has completed the berm along the city’s south side and is now moving north. Other precautionary measures include the lowering of Deal Lake by the Deal Lake Commission and the monitoring of Wesley Lake, he said.

The Asbury Park Police Department has issued a Coastal Flood Warning through 1 a.m. Wednesday. The warning anticipates moderate flooding during this evening’s high tide, with waves reaching 15 feet in height and breaking along the coast at 8 to 10 feet.

Officials said widespread road flooding and beach erosion is expected and minor property damage is possible during the Tuesday evening high tide, which runs from 7:33 p.m. in Seaside Heights to 8:03 p.m. in Sandy Hook.

“The combination of the new moon and Jose could produce higher than normal levels,” Giberson said.

He warns residents in flood prone areas to monitor the lake levels and heavy rains, clear clogged storm drains of debris near one’s home, and pay close attention to the forecast and local advisories.

Giberson also said loose outdoor furniture and items should be removed or secured in anticipation of the high moving winds.

Local forecaster Rick Cutrell of Tri-State Storm Watch said because Jose will linger offshore, the likelihood of minor coastal flooding will continue at each high tide until Friday. Times of high tide during this period will be between 8 and 10 a.m. and at 8 p.m. 

[Photos courtesy of OEM Coordinator Garrett Giberson Jr]

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