Video captures moment tree crashes onto Sea Girt police cruiser during severe storm
The danger shifted from falling trees to rising waters by Monday.
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Video captured the dramatic moment a massive tree crashed onto a Sea Girt police cruiser during a weekend of dangerous weather across Monmouth County.
The incident happened Friday evening during the first round of severe storms near Washington Boulevard and Fifth Avenue.
Police said an officer was inside the cruiser when the tree came down.
Dashcam footage and emergency radio traffic captured the moment of impact.
The officer was not injured.
Sea Girt Police Chief Justin Macko praised the officer's response.
"Certainly proud of the way he composed himself," Macko said. "It just goes to show you when the storms come in — whether you're driving in a vehicle, on a bicycle, or out walking on the sidewalk — you need to be conscious of the weather."
By Monday, the threat shifted from falling trees to flooding.
Flash flooding inundated parts of Monmouth County, including Deal and Ocean Township.
The Manasquan High Water Rescue Team responded to dozens of emergencies using specialized vehicles to reach stranded residents.
Officials said about 40 people were rescued from homes and businesses after becoming trapped by rising water.
"As soon as our team was on scene, we had to move quickly because the water was still rising, even though the rain had stopped," said Detective Sgt. John Ringo of the Manasquan Police Department.
While floodwaters have receded, many residents are now dealing with cleanup and flood damage inside their homes.
