Hurricane Sandy: Waves Crashing at Sea Gate on the western end of Coney Island. Photo © Charles Denson via Coney Island History Project
This morning as Hurricane Sandy moved toward New Jersey and New York City, Charles Denson of the Coney Island History Project snapped these dramatic photos at Sea Gate and Steeplechase Pier in Coney Island. The bulkheads at Sea Gate are already washing out, Denson said.
“History is being written as an extreme weather event continues to unfold, one which will occupy a place in the annals of weather history as one of the most extraordinary to have affected the United States,” said meteorologist Stu Ostro in a Weather Channel blog post. For Coney Island, the crucial time is during tonight’s full moon high tide at 8:22 PM, when a surge of 9 to 10 feet is possible say meteorologists.
Hurricane Sandy: Steeplechase Pier, Coney Island. October 29, 2012. Photo © Charles Denson via Coney Island History Project
Related posts on ATZ…
October 28, 2012: Photos of the Day: Sandbagging for Sandy in Coney Island
January 3, 2012: Record 3,000 “Do It” at Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge
October 31, 2011: Photo Album: Snowtober in Coney Island by Bruce Handy
February 26, 2012: Photo of the Day: Snow Mermaid on Coney Island Beach
Amusing the Zillion 
Charlie Denson is the go-to guy for any historical photo of Coney Island. I was his neighbor back in the day and never saw him without a camera around his neck. Great photos Charlie!! This hurricane reminds me of Hurricane Donna which struck in September of 1959 – the day I was supposed to start kindergarten at P.S. 188. The storm surge brought Gravesend Bay and the Atlantic together which covered the tip of Coney Island. People traveled around in row boats. I hope people listen to the evacuation warnings. To lose even one life is one too many.
Dang! Those are some bad waves. I hope everyone keeps safe and out of harms way.
My grandfather built two houses and synagogue on Oceanic Avenue in Sea Gate. My father, Seymour Jacobs, was one of the great photographers of beach people in Coney Island. I am devastated to see the destruction . . .
I was raised in Sea Gate and haven’t seen anything on cable about how the community has fared after the storm. I lived on Neptune Avenue before we moved to Beach 46th street, last house on block next to water. Any news?