March Nor'Easter Storm Damage

It is March 20, the "Spring" Equinox and the coast is preparing for its fourth nor'easter storm of March. I thought I would share some photos of the storm damage from the first two storms. The storm eroded the dunes and pushed a lot of sand up against the north jetty between the spur jetty and the parking lot. In places the sand is almost to the top of the jetty. The concrete seawall near the benches and parking lot #1 on the reservation is almost completely buried under sand. The jetty itself seems to have weathered the storms in good shape. There was no obvious damage except for a couple of displaced stones at the tip. The same can't be said for the spur jetty, it took a pounding. Many stones from the top and beach side of the spur jetty were displaced and toppled down.

The storm threw large amounts of seaweed, clams, mussels, crabs, and sadly trash onto the beach. The sea gulls had a feast on all the dead marine life. People have been busy over the past two weeks collecting shells and other treasures from the beach. It appears that about every lobster trap which was in the water came ashore with the storms.

The north jetty held up well to the storms

 

At the tip of the jetty there appear to be only two displaced stones sitting on top

The dunes sustained a lot of erosion damage 

 

The metal beach access stairs were badly undermined by the dune erosion 

 

One of the concrete footings is exposed

 

Displaced stones on the beach side of the spur jetty

 Another view showing the spur jetty damage

 

Close-up

 

This boulder was tipped up by the wave action

 

A tangle of ropes and lobster traps

Dead clams and mussels by the thousands were thrown up on the beach

 and crabs which the sea gulls were feasting on

Parts of several large blue lobsters washed up as well

 

 

 

 

 

March Nor'easter 2018

A powerful low pressure system brought a Nor'easter storm to New England Friday March 2. It coincided with astronomical high tides. The storm generated high winds, 25 foot waves and a 3+ foot storm surge resulting in coastal flooding of low lying areas, dune erosion, and other damage. It was too dangerous to do any documenting during the storm. These photos are from Saturday and Sunday during subsequent high tides.

Video from Sunday March 4.

Brown's Seafood Restaurant in Seabrook was flooded on Saturday. The debris is right on the edge of Route 286.

 

 

No customer today for this Route 286 business.

 At Seabrook beach the water was flowing into the access path on top of the dunes. the beach was completely under water.

Not a good day for picnic with the waves level with the height of this bench.

This shows how vulnerable some areas are. (Click to enlarge photo)

 

North Jetty as viewed from the north end of Plum Island. huge waves were breaking before even reaching the largely submerge jetty.

 Navigation tower at the end of the North Jetty.

Spur jetty in foreground, north jetty just barely visible in the middle, and south jetty in background. (Click on photo to enlarge)

 Extensive erosion at Salisbury Beach State Reservation

 

Bench with two 5 gallons buckets of cement to hold it in place uprooted by high tide.

 Water splashing over seawall along campground area.

Winter Visitors to the Beach

I was walking towards to the spur jetty on Sunday February 4 when I spotted some movement on the sand near the rocks. It took a  moment to realize a seal had come ashore to rest. Its sandy colored fur made it blend in exceptionally well. I kept a respectful distance took a few photos with a long zoom lens. About an hour later the seal was disturbed by an off leash dog the owner couldn't control, the seal made an escape to the ocean.

 

Can you spot the seal?

 

The seal was very alert and on the lookout for danger

 

These small wading birds (Sanderlings) can be spotted feeding along Salisbury Beach with some frequency. With patience you can slowly work your way close enough for photographs.  Although they move very quickly, so, using your camera's "sports" setting is recommended.

There was a heavy overcast that day so the photos are on the grayish side.

 

Of course the Snowy Owls have been making an appearance at Salisbury Beach State Reservation this winter.

With any wildlife photography, it is important to make sure you don't disturb the bird or animal by keeping your distance. If the bird looks upset, bothered, or uncomfortable with your presence than you are too close.