Heavy winds, rain put beach endurance to test in Avalon

AVALON, N.J. (WPVI) -- Angry winds and stinging rain pounded the beaches in Avalon Friday night.

Officials said gusts of up to 60 miles per hour could bring down power lines overnight.

The Townsend Inlet Bridge connecting Avalon and Sea Isle City was closed because of high waters.

"We're advising everybody do not drive on a flooded street or through a flooded intersection. You put yourself and first responders at risk," said

Avalon Public Information Officer Scott Wahl.

During the summer, beaches were replenished for the first time since Superstorm Sandy. Officials said that beach fill is paying off.

"Our beaches held up, the beach is designed to withstand this and that's exactly what it's doing," said Wahl.

We found businesses in Avalon shored up with sandbags, ready for another round of flooding; residents told Action News they're ready, too.

"We did move our cars to higher ground. We park at the municipal parking lot a couple blocks down," said Zachary Gorecke.

In North Wildwood, more than a dozen boats were pulled out of the water at Grassy Sound Marina.

Folks braved the wind and rain to grab some groceries and a snack.

"It's pretty intense right now that's for sure. It's picking up quite a bit!" said Dave Thompson of Marlton, N.J.

"We had a hobie cat on the beach in Stone Harbor - had to get that off the beach and then wanted to make sure everything was tied down here as well," said Karen Cauley of Devon, Pa.

But not everyone is complaining. Some surfers who said the storm could make for great waves on Sunday.

"We kind of grew up doing this kind of stuff so, you know, we're experienced with big swells and high winds," said Anthony Spagnolo of Cape May Courthouse.

Coastal flood warnings are in effect through Sunday.