Preparations are underway along the Jersey Shore for strong winds, coastal flooding and heavy rains.   

It was a busy Friday afternoon for Monmouth County OEM staff as they loaded hundreds of sandbags along Sea Bright beach.  Although the water seems calm now, that will change. Waves of 10 feet or higher are expected to build on Sunday along with heavy rains and increasing winds.  

“We’re looking at winds somewhere probably 40 to 50 mph and then obviously some coastal flooding that we are concerned about,” said Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden.  

Drone 12 flew over Belmar Beach Friday morning, showing just how vulnerable this area is to potential storm surge, where there are no protective dunes on beaches already battered this fall.  

“Behind me in Sea Bright, we are filling some sandbag preparation and deployment. Our emergency management team secured hundreds of sandbags that we are filling and dispersing to local emergency management teams in our flood-prone areas,” said Sheriff Golden.  

Further south in Seaside Heights, it’s full speed ahead with the setup for the 34th annual Italian Festival and Columbus Day Parade, set to take place now through Sunday, weather permitting. With coastal flood and high wind watches already hoisted for the entire Jersey Shore, Sunday’s parade could be moved back a week.  A decision will be made on Saturday morning.  

“So much goes into this. You just can't turn a faucet and change everything. The performers from Italy, they’re going home Thursday. They won’t be here next Sunday if we have to move it to then. Some of the bands have other commitments,” said Michael Blandina, the committee chairman for the Ocean County Italian Festival and Parade.  

The Manasquan Inlet Tug of War competition and the Point Pleasant Beach Fall Fireworks have both been moved to Saturday, Oct. 18th. As far as high tides this weekend, expect the worst to come right around noon and midnight Sunday into Monday.