Flooding concerns plague NJ lakes and creeks

PITMAN, N.J. (WPVI) -- Officials are keeping a close eye on area lakes and creeks where flash flood watches have been issued.

They are hoping for the best, but still urging people to be aware and keep an eye out.

Through the years, residents who live near Alcyon Lake and nearby streams have seen flash flooding that can happen suddenly and with little warning.

Harry Maccorkle of Pitman, New Jersey said, "The streams can't and the runoff from the roads can't handle the rain, so it runs into my backyard. A stream here and a stream there, and so I have a lake in my backyard for a period of time, until the water can recede into the lake."

Down the shore, visitors are already plague by closed beaches earlier due to bacteria are hoping it's not a complete washout.

"It's been disappointing, yes disappointing, but we made do. My son has been digging in the sand...we've been having fun because we're with family," Shirley Robertson of Jarretsville, Maryland said.

Linda Gilmore, an Atlantic County Public Information officer said, "We're certainly monitoring the storm, our emergency management officials are paying close attention. We look at storm drains to make sure they are clear."

In Margate, the owner of Nix Salon Mary Dephillipo is watching the forecast too. She's used to storms like this, but still hopes for the best and keeps a few sandbags on hand.

She said, "We're a little elevated here that if it's not so bad, the flooding doesn't bother us, but we just say a lot of prayers."

Right now, it's the calm before the storm as they say. Officials have been urging people to secure any loose items, and warning motorists not to drive through flooded streets.

----------

Send a breaking news alert
Report a correction or typo
Learn more about the 6abc apps