More than 50 rescued in Margate after tidal flooding from Hurricane Erin

MARGATE CITY, N.J. (WPVI) -- Firefighters in Margate rescued more than 50 people Thursday night after tidal flooding inundated parts of the city, fueled by Hurricane Erin, which remains hundreds of miles offshore.

Several restaurants, including Sofia and Maynard's, were flooded along Amherst Avenue in Margate.

"We had wet vacs. We were pumping it out of the back door and it was coming in the front door," said Maynard's owner, Steve Troiano.



Officials said at least 30 people were rescued from that one location alone. Margate firefighters posted photos showing crews using high-water vehicles to assist stranded individuals.

RELATED: Coastal flooding remains concern at Jersey Shore as Hurricane Erin moves away from East Coast

In addition to restaurant rescues, firefighters helped 16 people and three dogs escape flooded vehicles. Crews also responded to a gas leak, an underground transformer fire, and an electrical fire.



City officials are urging homeowners in low-lying areas to inspect their properties for damage.

Margate City officials are telling homeowners who live in low-lying areas to check for property damage.

People, like Ocean City resident Mario Canal, were caught off guard by the rising water during dinner in Margate.



"If we were expecting it, we wouldn't be out to dinner," Canal said.

RELATED: Hurricane Erin destroys sea turtle nests along North Carolina beach

He just happened to be making his way through the flooded street during a live report on Action News and remained in good spirits after he says he grabbed his friend's golf clubs from the car when his vehicle turned off in flood waters.

"I was mostly scared for the bottom of my feet, trying to work through all the debris in the road. There's a lot of debris in the road," Canal said. "I didn't see any rescues. Really, people were trying to rescue their cars. The water is pretty deep in certain spots. Certain spots are real bad, certain spots aren't so bad but it's hard to get out of town."

Officials have been prepared for this all week and continue to put the word out about the risk of moderate flooding. They expect it to happen all over again during the next high tide Friday morning and later that night.



"Heed the warnings of your lifeguards. Pay attention. The rip currents are not going to go away. They're going to be here for a number of days post this storm," said Margate Fire Chief Daniel Adams.