Flash Flood in New Jersey, August 20 to 21, 1997

Torrential rain fell across southeast New Jersey as a low pressure system developed over the Delmarva Peninsula and slowly moved northeast across southern New Jersey. A series of thunderstorms developed along this low pressure system's frontal boundaries and trained or moved over the same areas. This caused extremely heavy rain to fall over several hours especially across southern parts of Ocean County. Doppler Radar storm total estimates in Little Egg Harbor Township were between 8 and 10 inches. Other storm totals included 6.75 inches in Beach Haven, 6 inches in Tom's River and 4.75 inches in East Dover. Miraculously no serious injuries were reported. Little Egg Harbor Township, especially on Mystic Island, reported the worst flooding in the county. Vehicles were floating down the streets. About 60 persons had to be evacuated to the Pinelands Middle School. About half of them were boy scouts in the Sea Pirate Campground. Emergency personnel responded to 225 calls for help. Lake Pohatcong overflowed and flooded U.S. Route 9 with 4 to 5 feet of water. In Tuckerton, emergency personnel also responded to numerous calls for help. Flooding was particularly bad along South Green and Center Streets. In Stafford Township, several streets were impassable in the Ocean Acres and Beach Haven West neighborhoods. Even an ambulance became stuck in flood waters. In Dover Township, a home under construction collapsed because of the heavy rain and strong winds. Damage was estimated at $200,000. In Brick Township, water punched a hole through a berm around a retention basin and undermined road work along Brick Boulevard. The most harrowing experience of the night was felt by a three boat party of 13 persons that were anchored near Little Egg Harbor. As the winds increased, one boat broke away from its anchor and the three adults and two children aboard the "Little Lou" were tossed by strong waves without any radio contact. The boat grounded on a sandbar and they were rescued about three hours later.