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Severe Weather Warnings Issued for Monmouth County
October 9, 2025 – Monmouth County, NJ – Certified Arborist Michael Hufnagel warns that saturated soil and high winds could bring down weak or damaged trees as a coastal storm approaches New Jersey this weekend.
The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Watch for Middlesex and Monmouth Counties from Sunday morning through Monday evening. Forecasters expect two to three feet of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas along the coast and tidal waterways.
According to CBS News, meteorologists are tracking a developing low-pressure system that could intensify into a Nor’easter, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and coastal flooding across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. The system is expected to reach peak strength late Saturday into Sunday, overlapping with high tides along the Jersey Shore.
“These forecasts are not something to shrug off,” said Michael Hufnagel, owner of Hufnagel Tree Service in Middletown. “When coastal storms coincide with saturated ground, trees that are already leaning, hollow, or root-weakened can come down fast. Once that happens, it’s too late to prevent the damage.”
Flooding concerns stretch from Sandy Hook to Sea Bright, Long Branch, and down through Belmar, where beach erosion and standing water are likely. Local emergency management officials have encouraged homeowners to prepare early and secure their properties ahead of the storm.
How Wind and Saturated Soil Threaten Trees
As the Nor’easter develops, forecasters anticipate sustained winds of 30 to 40 miles per hour, with higher gusts possible along the coast. When combined with heavy rain, those winds create a dangerous mix for mature trees.
“Trees rely on oxygen pockets in the soil to keep their roots healthy,” Hufnagel explained. “When the ground stays flooded, those roots can’t breathe. Add wind stress on top of that, and even a solid tree can lose its footing.”
In neighborhoods like Fair Haven, Little Silver, and Holmdel, many older oaks and maples have shallow or compacted root systems due to decades of development. These conditions make them especially vulnerable during prolonged rain and wind events.
Residents are advised to watch for visible lean, cracks in major limbs, or fungal growth near the base — all indicators that a tree could fail under pressure. “If a tree starts dropping small branches or sap is oozing from the trunk, that’s nature’s warning sign,” Hufnagel said.
Preventing Tree Damage Before the Storm
Hufnagel Tree Service has been performing pre-storm inspections and corrective pruning throughout Monmouth County this week, prioritizing trees near homes, driveways, and power lines.
“The best defense is preventive care,” Hufnagel said. “Proper pruning reduces wind resistance, removes dead weight, and keeps the canopy balanced. That’s what allows a tree to survive a Nor’easter.”
He added that post-storm emergency removals are far more dangerous and costly than preventive maintenance. “Once the soil is saturated and the wind is blowing, you can’t safely climb or cut. Prevention is always the smarter move.”
In towns such as Red Bank, Rumson, and Atlantic Highlands, homeowners are calling for inspections to identify hidden decay or storm-split limbs. The goal, Hufnagel said, is to reduce hazards before the weekend weather arrives.
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Coastal Flooding and Property Risk
The National Weather Service warned that some coastal and bayside communities could experience moderate to major flooding with structural damage possible. Rising water levels and strong wave action may isolate certain areas, making emergency access difficult.
For trees near seawalls or bulkheads, that flooding presents an additional risk. “Saltwater intrusion can kill roots within weeks,” Hufnagel explained. “It weakens the entire structure of the tree and sets it up for failure in the next storm.”
Homes along Navesink River, Sandy Hook Bay, and Shrewsbury River face compounded stress: high tides, wind, and soil saturation. “We see a pattern after every Nor’easter,” Hufnagel said. “Trees that stood through one season suddenly topple in the next. The damage happens underground before anyone notices.”
He recommends that property owners document any pre-existing damage and clear loose debris before rainfall intensifies. “Once floodwaters rise, downed limbs can block drains and worsen flooding,” he added.
Expert Guidance from a Local Arborist
With more than 25 years of certified experience, Hufnagel and his team have built a reputation for safety, precision, and rapid response across Monmouth County. Their work has earned over 200 five-star reviews on Google, many from homeowners who experienced tree emergencies after previous storms.
“We love the big oaks and maples that define Monmouth County,” Hufnagel said. “But those same trees need care to stay safe in weather like this. If a tree looks questionable, now is the time to get it checked — not after the storm.”
Hufnagel Tree Service provides tree inspection, trimming, removal, and restoration services across Middletown, Red Bank, Rumson, Holmdel, Keyport, and the Bayshore communities. Crews remain on standby throughout the storm weekend for emergency response but continue to emphasize preparation over reaction.
“Storms like this test every part of your property,” Hufnagel said. “A quick inspection today can prevent a disaster tomorrow. Call before the rain starts, and let a certified arborist make sure your trees are ready for the wind.”
For tree safety inspections or storm-prep consultations, contact Hufnagel Tree Service at 732-291-4444. Serving Monmouth County for over 25 years with certified arborist expertise and trusted local care.
