High winds, rough surf expected at the Jersey shore

MARGATE, N.J. (WPVI) -- Surfers like Steve Megill took advantage of the waves on Tuesday before things really kick up at the Jersey shore.

"With the storm getting closer, it's going to be a washing machine," said Steve Megill of Linwood. "It shouldn't be any good tomorrow. That's why I liked the window today and maybe later in the week."

As two hurricanes churn in the Atlantic, they're contributing to a windy evening at the Jersey shore.

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Officials have been monitoring conditions since last week.

"Most likely the winds will be out of the northeast, which also raises our tides and our tide levels in the back bay. So people need to be aware of that and look for the updates from us as we get them," said Dan Adams, Margate fire chief and deputy emergency management coordinator.

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And as September draws to a close, beach patrols are done for the season.

"Lifeguards are off duty," said Adams. "We don't recommend swimming, especially in these conditions."

Coastal researchers at nearby Stockton University say beach erosion is also a concern this time of year, adding a storm doesn't have to make a direct hit to have an impact.

"We see lots of these impacts because they are sending a lot of wave energy to the coast," said Shah Khan, PhD, an assistant professor of coastal zone management at Stockton University. "It is not only us, the human beings, but also the ecosystems and many, many species like ocean crabs and their habitats. They're also affected."

Officials say homeowners and visitors should secure any loose furniture or plants that could blow away.