Vulnerability of Long Beach Island to Hurricanes

Flood Risks on Long Beach Island

Hurricane Sandy and Long Beach Island

Hurricane Sandy made landfall on Long Beach Island at the end of October 2012. Even though Hurricane Sandy was the first storm to caused widespread damage in more than 20 years, Sandy served as a reminder Long Beach Island is in fact a barrier island and is a risk of flooding caused by storms. The vulnerability Long Beach Island to hurricanes is indisputable and has been a fact of life since time began. That said, it is important to understand the risks associated with owning a home at the beach.

Click here to search all homes for sale in the Long Beach Island NJ real estate market

The Vulnerability of Long Beach Island to Hurricanes

There are a few facts about flooding than any buyer should be aware of when looking to purchase a home in the LBI real estate market. They are:

Flooding is a part of life living at the beach
Bayside areas are at a greater risk of flooding than the Oceanside areas
Steps have been taken to create a more storm ready Long Beach Island

Flooding is in fact an inevitability when owning a home on Long Beach Island or any other shore towns. Barrier islands, by their very meaning, imply that they are the first line of defense against any storm. That said, Long Beach Island is unique in that it tends to be at a higher elevation and other shore areas. This is very helpful in defending against future storms and hurricanes. Most of the flooding that occurs on Long Beach Island will be limited to streets in big storms. It is very uncommon for a home to sustain water damage.

Bayside areas are a greater risk of flooding than their ocean side or ocean block counterparts. Contrary to popular opinion, flooding occurs on the Bayside areas first. When a storm the increase in water volume, also known as storm surge, will fill the back bays and encroach on land. Oceanside areas, which are at a higher elevation to begin with, will therefore be safer in future storms.

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Long Beach Island has taken many proactive steps to ensure the area will survive future storms. Most noticeable, or the changes being made to Long Beach Island with many older homes either being raised above base flood elevation were new homes being built in their place. In either case, these homes will be at far less risk of flooding there for the damage caused by future storms will be minimal. In addition, all of Long Beach Island is undergoing a massive beach replenishment project which will live in the beaches and dune in the area. This will help to limit flooding and limit the impact of future storms.

Flooding and Hurricanes on Long Beach Island

For living on a barrier island, there have been comparatively few major weather. Hurricane Sandy made landfall at the end of October 2012. Prior to Hurricane Sandy, there was a major storm in 1992, 1962, in 1944. With a major weather event occurring every 20-30 years, Long Beach Island has a relatively low danger risk over the long term. For more information about the vulnerability of Long Beach Island to hurricanes, contact me and I will respond right away.

By : Nathan Colmer | The Van Dyk Group

Cell: 609-290-4293 | Office: 800-222-0131 | ncolmer@vandykgroup.com

www.BuyLBI.com

Click here to search all homes for sale in the Long Beach Island NJ real estate market