Widespread Flooding Reported in Manahawkin, LBI

Widespread flooding was causing delays in Long Beach Island south of Route 72, as well as in certain portions of the state highway on the mainland.

Flooding was affecting much of Long Beach Boulevard from Ship Bottom to Beach Haven, causing significant backups as cars jockeyed for positions to exit the roadway onto local streets.

Barnegat Avenue in Surf City was underwater from Division Street to North 5th Street, and some cars were riding in the median to avoid getting stuck. Street ends in Surf City and other island communities collected water, posing dangerous conditions.

Ponding water was also seen on Long Beach Boulevard in Harvey Cedars.

"If you do not have to be out, please stay indoors and off the roadways," Surf City Police said in a release. "If you must drive, please use extreme caution."

According to the state Department of Transportation, a westbound lane of Route 72 near Recovery Road was shut down down due to flooding, causing a 10 minute delay.