This past weekend’s powerful nor’easter has significantly eroded large portions of the Rockaway coastline, giving it an almost dramatic resemblance to the rugged cliffs found in Ireland.
The storm caused severe damage to the beachfront at Jacob Riis Park, leaving steep drop-offs and visible patches of black sand that outlined the expansive tides that surged higher than city streets.
“The beach is pretty much gone,” remarked an anonymous Parks Department worker to The Post on Tuesday, as teams began the difficult task of bringing back the large quantities of sand lost to the storm. “All the sand here was swept away and ended up down at Breezy Point. They’re really pleased down there—they just got a huge delivery of sand,” he added.
The worker indicated that wooden jetties that were once hidden beneath sand were revealed when the waves stripped away the beach material.
The lone stone jetty located at the federal park helped protect some parts of the beach, keeping it from being completely washed away, according to the employee.
The storm’s waves surged over the Beach 149th jetty, transforming a dune pile into a sandy cliff that measured 14 feet in height. Evidence left on railings by the local bathhouse even suggested that the sand levels rose as much as 26 inches when the waves crashed against the boardwalk.
Local resident John Thuilot, 18, described participating in a group of adventurous surfers during the storm and noted, “I was standing on a sandbar a ways out, and I felt the whole sandbar get pulled out from under me—like, just vanish.” He lives in Belle Harbor.
On Tuesday, Riis Park looked like a construction zone—so different from the tranquil beach that had drawn so many visitors just weeks earlier. “It definitely looks different! You used to be able to walk through there by the jetty,” shared Hazzard Ho, 32, who was surprised to find he couldn’t stroll on the beach with his dog, Chef. “Now it just ends where that cliff is.”
The extent of the damage varied across the beach area, with reports of nearly 30 feet of sand being washed away about four miles east of Riis Park.
“If it wasn’t for the new stone jetty, [the storm] would have taken much more of the beach,” stated Steve Closs, a retired firefighter who resides near Beach 80th Street.
“The beach is almost completely gone,” he expressed, raising concerns about the timeline for repairing the damage.
Riis Park is managed by the National Park Service, while the neighboring residential areas are overseen by the city and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—a partnership that has often frustrated residents who have been advocating for the removal of ineffective wooden jetties.
City Councilwoman Joann Ariola described the erosion as “a tremendous cause for concern.” She emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, “We can’t delay this and let it affect the summer season, nor can we leave residents at risk during the rest of storm season.” She urged the city’s Emergency Management department and the US Army Corps of Engineers to respond quickly.
“Immediate action is required, with clear timelines so residents can feel secure for any upcoming storms and not be negatively affected next summer.”
The exact amount of sand lost remains uncertain, and the costs associated with replenishing the beaches are still unknown.
A 2013 initiative dedicated a significant $26.4 million to restore approximately 3.5 million cubic yards of sand following Hurricane Sandy.
The Corps of Engineers informed The Post that they are evaluating the situation to develop a recovery plan. “It’s worth mentioning that while there was sand loss in this project, its purpose of mitigating coastal flooding impacts in nearby communities and reducing property damage was accomplished,” a representative stated.
