Rainstorm

Unfortunately we often hear of the devastation and often loss of life flooding can cause.  On September 5, 2012 the local TV stations meteorologists forcasted rain that could be heavy at times.  Well, the rain came along with steady strikes of lightening.  Apparently, we had a very slow moving storm cell directly overhead.  In the awakening hours the rain finally subsided.  The rain gauge indicated we had fifteen inches and that much rain in such a short period of time caused considerable concern especially with the cranberry farmers who are getting ready for harvest.  The following photos depict some of the havoc the storm caused.

 

This particular bridge takes you into Wharton State Forest, where canoeists, hikers, and campers are invited to enjoy nature at its best.

 

The bridge was closed for several days, since the State of New Jersey required an evaluation as to its safety.  The water was approximately ten feet above normal level.

The rushing water over powered the river where you see the orange cones.  There was no alternative but to close the road until the water subsided.

 

  This scene shows the rushing water going over the Harrisville Dam. Generally it's a tranquil river, used for canoeing and kayaking.  The threatening clouds were dark and uninvited.

These two Ocean Spray grower-owners were researching what impact the storm had on their farms, and that of their friends and neighbors.  Thankfully, they had smiles on their faces indicating things for them could have been worse.

The water from a local lake pours into gates, then it follows the stream to Harrisville Lake.  The water appeared angry and gave one that stay away feeling.

Here we see cranberries on a cranberry bog gate.  These berries are supposed to be in the bog, but the high water over took the bog, raised the water level and flooded the bog.

This photograph shows the loss of one of the grower's dams.  It caused all stored water to be released, flooding areas and causing necessary reservoirs to empty.

The emptied reservoir showed a very unusual sight.  It takes a lot of work to restore the dams and acquire new water for the harvest season.

 

 

This young couple were on fish patrol. They were rescuing small sunfish that had been deposited in a driveway from a high level reservoir.  They did an excellent job and for the little fish they saved the day.