Powerful Nor'easter Pounds Jersey Shore
TRENTON, N.J. (CBS/AP) — A powerful Nor'easter is pounding the Jersey Shore as Atlantic City is dealing with flooding.
CBS 3's Greg Argos reports dangerous wind and heavy rain are hammering the coast.
"Right now, we've got a major Nor'easter," said Marty Pagliughi, director of emergency management for Cape May County.
With the wind, rain and minor flooding slamming beach towns at the shore, emergency response officials are closely monitoring what the wicked weather is doing.
"It is a dangerous storm because of the high winds," said Pagliughi.
Pagliughi said his biggest concern for this weather system is the wind.
"Looking to keep an eye out on the power outages. This time of year it's dangerous for any kind of prolonged power outage. We may have to open up shelters," he said.
As for those living in Avalon, Stone Harbor or Wildwood full time, Pagliughi isn't too worried.
"The people in the barrier islands this time of year are year-round residents, the majority of them, and they know what to do," he said.
Rick Grillo, a carpenter, said he's used to these winter storms, but he's hoping for just one thing.
"Just pray it doesn't flood," said Grillo.
Atlantic City Electric is dealing with around 200 power outages.
PECO is dealing with nearly 300 outages in Chester County.
Earlier in the day, there were thousands of outages.
A high wind warning is in effect.
CBS 3's Lauren Casey reports waves over 20 feet have been crashing into the sea wall in Atlantic City, as flooding has been scattering debris along Atlantic Avenue. There is widespread flooding in Atlantic City and some is significant in nature.
The high winds have already downed trees in the area. A tree in Aston, Delaware County came crashing down Monday morning to a home on Beatrice Lane. There was quite a bit of damage, but no one was hurt.
Weather is also to blame for a mural coming down from the wall of Hahnemann Hospital at Broad and Race Streets. There were high winds in the area at the time.
Part of the mural landed on a couple of SUVs in the Hahnemann parking lot. The cars were not seriously damaged, and there were no reports of injuries.
Forecasters say widespread moderate coastal flooding is expected near high tide during the afternoon and evening in Cumberland, Cape May and Atlantic counties.
CBS 3's Katie Fehlinger reports that some areas could see 1 to 2 inches of rain.
Download our CBS Philly weather app for the latest forecast.
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