SIGNIFICANT INCIDENT REPORT


DATE OF INCIDENT: 	Beginning October 30, 1991

TIME OF INCIDENT:		On-going

PARK:				      Cape Cod National Seashore (MA)
                          Salem Maritime NHS (MA)
                          Fire Island National Seashore (NY)
                          Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island NM (NY)
                          Gateway National Recreation Area (NY)
                          Assateague Island National Seashore (VA/MD)

LOCATION:			(See above)

PARK CONTACT:		Through Bill Halainen, Ranger Activities

INCIDENT SUMMARY:

The severe storm off the North Atlantic coast has had a major impact on 
several NPS areas:

Cape Cod NS

The storm's effects were most pronounced yesterday, particularly at high tide 
late in the afternoon.  The park experienced flooding and sustained winds of 
about 45 mph, with gusts up to 70 mph.  Although not many trees were blown 
down, there were significant impacts to beach areas:

- Stairways to Coast Guard, Nauset and Marconi beaches were swept away.
- Erosion beneath the NPS-owned bridge on the access road to Coast Guard
 beach caused structural damage, but the extent is not yet known.
- The 8,000-year-old archeological site on Coast Guard beach may have been
 lost.
- Drifting sand covers most beach parking lots.
- The ocean broke through the cape at Truro to the marsh on the bay side
 and ocean waters are now passing through a 150-foot wide breach at 
 high tides.

Salem Maritime NHS

The park was closed yesterday due to the threat of high water along the 
waterfront.  Although the high tide covered much of the park's lawns, no 
damage was done to buildings.  The park's historic wharf will remain closed 
until waters subside, though.

Fire Island NS

The storm has caused major damage to areas within the park.  At the time of 
the report (10:00 a.m.), staff members were beginning a full assessment of 
the damage, much of which occurred last night, but preliminary reports are 
that:

- Most of the shoreline is now underwater, even at low tide.
- At least six houses were lost from communities within the park, and the
 total is probably higher.
- There has been significant damage to the marinas and visitor centers at
 Sailor's Haven and Watch Hill.

More damage is expected during high tide at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon.  A full 
report will follow.

Gateway NRA

Breezy Point Unit

The Breezy Point Unit, located on the east side of New York Harbor, was 
closed at some places yesterday due to overwash.  The boardwalk was also 
reported to have been underwater, but the extent of damage to it remains 
unknown at present.

Sandy Hook Unit

The park's Sandy Hook Unit, which is on the New Jersey side of New York 
Harbor, was closed yesterday at 11:00 a.m. due to flooding.  From three to 
four feet of running water covered sections of the hook and large portions of 
the entrance road and washed away the unit's boardwalk.  Over 400 people were 
evacuated from the schools and facilities on the hook yesterday; most of the 
students were driven out by park 4WD vehicles to waiting buses, and 
instructors at the schools drove their own vehicles out at low tide.  The 
entire area remains closed today.  No damage to facilities is anticipated, 
but extreme beach erosion is probable.  As with Fire Island, more damage is 
likely this afternoon.  Eighteen-foot seas and 30 to 50 mph winds are 
predicted.

Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island NM

Ferry service to Liberty Island was suspended for about 90 minutes yesterday 
afternoon because high waters caused gangways to the pier to become too steep 
for safe access.  Park boats were moved to the safety of the slip at Ellis 
Island.  Neither area reports any damage or other impacts, however.

Assateague Island NS

The park reports that water has been rising rapidly and that the ocean is 
overwashing and breaching the island at several points.  ORV zones have been 
closed and will remain closed for at least a week.  Some roads have been 
closed as well.  The campgrounds appear to be okay at present, but park 
boardwalks are starting to go.  High tide will occur at 2:00 p.m. and more 
damage is expected.  

                              *   *   *   *   *

A survey of all the above areas will be made again this afternoon between 
1:30 and 2:30 p.m.  A follow-up report will be made then, and another 
tomorrow morning.


Report prepared by: Bill Halainen, Ranger Activities, WASO in conjunction
                   with John Lynch, Ranger Activities, NARO