As Tropical Storm Florence approaches US, Shore residents reflect on Sandy

<p>As Tropical Storm Florence approaches the eastern coast of the United States, Jersey Shore residents say that they are reminded about Superstorm Sandy and how much their towns have changed since the storm.</p>

News 12 Staff

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Sep 7, 2018, 9:49 PM

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Updated 2,297 days ago

As Tropical Storm Florence approaches the eastern coast of the United States, Jersey Shore residents say that they are reminded about Superstorm Sandy and how much their towns have changed since the storm.

The impact of Superstorm Sandy is still felt by many New Jerseyans, as the sixth anniversary of the storm approaches.

"Telephone poles floating down East Main Street, sheds floating down the road, my men in water up to their necks,” says Manasquan Fire Chief Paul Samuel.

Many homes along the coast were destroyed by flooding, even though they were not in flood zones, due to strong storm surge.

But local officials say that the community as a whole is better prepared for a storm than they were six years ago.

“We have better equipment. There’s been better planning. Infrastructure has been built up. Roadways have been raised, houses have been raised,” says Manasquan OEM director Dave Kircher.

Kircher says that the town also has four brand new portable fire pumps and a fire boat to respond to flooding rescues.

Homeowners in Manasquan have also taken proactive approaches to prepare for potential storms. News 12 New Jersey crews noticed that nearly every home in town has been raised.

Florence is expected to strengthen back into a hurricane at some point tomorrow. You can track the storm HERE.