After retrieving my car from the other side of the bridge, I was able to drive around and post pictures/ updates on Twitter. See my Twitter site to browse through.
Overview: the bay front and adjacent streets took the brunt of the storm. Many docks were damaged. Marsh reeds everywhere. Flood waters entered low lying areas 🙁
The flood waters and heavy rain had nowhere to drain, and therefore traveled much farther than we have ever seen. Marsh reeds and debris were carried in the water and deposited in yards all around the island.
On the beach side of the island, the dunes held strong. There was serious beach erosion, yet no worse than I have seen in past major storms. Most beach paths end with a steep cliff (blocked off for safety). The dune fencing washed away – leaving just sticks in the sand. Wood ramps are in pieces; hanging in mid-air.
The inlet area of Avalon was battered. This is the one area where I saw sand in the street. At the First Avenue and 7th Street parking area, there were jetty boulders that actually washed over- as well as a section of the metal sea wall.
The lagoon area of Avalon is in good shape. Homeowners reported that the bay did rise over the bulkhead (not a common event)- and there is extensive dock damage.
The business district in both towns were hard hit. Many ground level buildings had several feet of water inside. It drained by the following day, yet left major damage. Today, weary business owners were tossing, mopping, and cleaning their way through. Â Sad…
As a community, we are grateful. The devastation in nearby shore towns puts it all in perspective.
Beach Report
Avalon- very fortunate that the dunes held, especially in the north end. Most beach paths end with a steep cliff, with obvious beach erosion. Yet there IS beach!
From 30th Street and south through the 60’s, the paths are level and only exhibit minor damage. There is a bit more dune exposure in the 70’s.
Stone Harbor – The dunes took a hit in the 80’s, yet that section of dune was well established and provided great protection. The downtown beach entrances (wooden walkways) will need repair. South of town, the dunes were more narrow and are damaged. The walkway at Nuns’ Beach is free standing when previously it was sitting over a dune.
South of 111th Street, the beach paths are more level with the beach (fewer cliffs), yet debris blocks the paths.
There was serious erosion of the dunes down by the Hobie Cat beach.  The landscape of the Point is changed (the natural sand dunes washed over), yet the long, sandy stretch is still there for the birds…and fishermen.