Stone Harbor Boulevard closed

Last Updated on Wednesday, March 06, 2013 02:57 pm Written by Staff Reports Wednesday, March 06, 2013 02:55 pm

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – Officials were concerned about a slow-moving nor’easter packing high winds that moved into the area Wednesday.

Firefighters in Stone Harbor reported that Stone Harbor Boulevard was closed as of Wednesday afternoon because of the storm. In a posting on Facebook, a photo showed a number of power lines down, likely because of high winds.

The Stone Harbor Volunteer Fire Company also reported major damage to the Sanderling Condominium from the high winds. Gas and electricity were shut off to the building, the firefighters reported. In a post on Facebook, the organization reported that the roof blew off. That could not be independently confirmed immediately.

Tidal flooding and beach erosion were expected on the barrier islands, said Lenora Boninfante, county communications director.

People were urged to limit driving over fears of downed tree limbs and power lines, she said.

Through the day Wednesday, the storm brought strong winds, rain and some snow flurries. Power outages were reported throughout the county.

Cape May County’s public works was on standby, prepared to remove debris from roads.

Cape May County Zoo and Park Central in Middle Township and Park North in Upper Township were closed Wednesday because of high winds and falling branches. Boninfante expected them to reopen today, Thursday.

“With any storm event, the county takes it pretty seriously,” she said.

Avalon and Stone Harbor were closely watching the storm, which was expected to bring erosion and coastal flooding along with the high winds. Avalon’s emergency management webpage said there were gusts of 50 miles per hour associated with the storm, and widespread but moderate coastal flooding was expected.

Avalon has recently completed a beach replenishment project, the next phase of which is expected to begin in Stone Harbor in April.

The storm was expected to continue overnight Wednesday, and to cause some tidal flooding Thursday morning.