A strong nor’easter storm hit the East Coast of the United States over the weekend, causing water levels to rise in Barnegat Bay on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. In the coastal town of Surf City, some areas were submerged under 4 feet (about 1.2 meters) of floodwaters. As the streets were flooded, an unusual sight unfolded as a “shark” swam into the residential area, even reaching the doorstep of residents.
On Saturday, a scene captured by a local resident showed flooded streets and driveways in front of homes, with a fish swimming in the water, its dorsal fin visible as it slowly approached a woman’s residence.
“Is that a baby shark?” the resident exclaimed. “Oh my, it’s coming this way!”
However, residents may have been alarmed for no reason. Dr. Greg Skomal, a great white shark expert from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, told the New York Post that based on the video, the fish was likely a dogfish, a small species of shark common in the area. Although dogfish are a type of shark, they are small in size, lack sharp teeth, and typically do not pose a threat to humans.
The nor’easter storm also caused widespread flooding along the East Coast of the United States, with gusts reaching up to 70 miles per hour (about 113 kilometers per hour), leading to power outages for thousands of households.
This weather event serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for severe weather conditions. authorities are urging residents in affected areas to take precautions and stay safe during and after the storm.