On Friday, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) will join FEMA Region 2 Administrator Christopher Hartnett and local officials in surveying the extensive damage wrought by the severe Nor’easter from September 25-28, 2026.

                “Last week, New Jersey—and especially the shore communities within our Fourth Congressional District—experienced a severe Nor’easter, bringing heavy rains, damaging winds, and substantial, prolonged flooding. The storm also caused significant and dangerous beach erosion, as well as thousands of power outages across the state,” said Smith, who secured millions of dollars in federal grants for Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts.

                As the Nor’easter ripped through New Jersey, several communities in Ocean County were isolated from the mainland, first responders conducted hundreds of rescues from flooded homes and vehicles, and many schools in both Monmouth and Ocean County remained closed on Monday, September 28^th.

                “As the impacted towns in my district take stock of the damage and needs to rebuild, I am committed to helping our local leaders through this tenuous process—first, by surveying the damage first-hand and documenting the storm’s impacts to residents’ safety and quality of life,” continued Smith.

                “While we still do not know the full extent of the Nor’easter’s damage, this visit will give us a greater understanding of how the federal government can best assist our shore communities during this perilous time.”

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