Belmar To Add Pumps As Thursday Flood Threat Looms

With Monmouth County forecast to take the brunt of heavy rains Thursday, the ongoing issues with flooding in Belmar will get the help of extra pumps.

Mayor Matt Doherty said additional pumps join existing ones in place since Monday, when heavy rains overtook Silver Lake and Lake Como.

Surrounding roadways were underwater, and portions of Ocean Avenue closed for pumping out the floodwaters from the lakes.

Wednesday, additional pumps arrived to bring the water level down before it raises from more rain, Doherty said.

"Bringing in additional pumps this afternoon to begin bringing down the water level in the lakes before the rain comes," he said Wednesday.

"The pumps will operate through the night and into tomorrow and will continue through whatever rain we receive. We are expecting a significant amount of rain tomorrow."

On Monday the borough advised residents to move vehicles to Dempsey Park and the municipal lot due to the threat of flooding then. Silt fencing surrounded the lake and large flexible tubing transferfed the water being pumped out from the lakes onto the beach across Ocean Avenue.