We saw the aftermath of an accident on southbound side of Rt 35 in Middletown last night. It seemed to have downed an electrical pole.

Great reporting ! The Patch has become my best source for local news. Where was the picture of the lightening strike?

SHOUT OUT AND PROPS TO ALL THE FIRST RESPONDERS, ESPECIALLY TODAY, THE LIFEGUARDS AT SHIP BOTTOM, BTWN 12 AND 14 TH STs! YOU ARE GUARDIAN ANGELS! Yesterday, Sunday, 8/5, two lifeguards rescued my daughter and granddaughter when they found themselves way out there and caught in a rip current. They were trying to make it ashore but were stuck where they were, drifting quickly north (past the no swim zone). Scary to see my granddaughter going underwater several times and knowing she was in trouble. One of the guards was swimming before leaving duty and saw Maddy struggling. She appeared like an Angel right behind Maddy to assist and save. The next lifeguard appeared from the bench, almost immediately after Maddy's Mama entered the water to try and help her daughter. These two Angels, well-skilled and focused on their roles, acted as if "it was nothing" and just using their valuable training. I am forever grateful. God bless all the first responders and keep them all safe! ECMorris from Barnegat NJ

This is a marina advisory for those boats on the Toms River. The green turning mark in the upper Toms River has been hit by a boat and is submerged under water as of Sunday, August 5th. Take caution. Whoever hit it must have considerable damage done to their boat.

Any news of a boat that capsized at Tices Shoal on Sunday ?

I added a fourth photo of the storm. It is of the leading edge of the storm front, looking north across the Toms River from Pine Beach.

BENNYS NEVER LEARN! KNOW THE AREA BEFORE YOU LEAVE

I just have to ask this: Are people so caught up in their activities that they do not pay any attention to the weather whatsoever? Given todays technology (Cell Phones, TV, VHF Radios, and last but not least your eyes and brain. I am constantly amazed when I see the number of people who get caught in bad weather when all it takes is some common sense to check the forecast and the sky before venturing too far from home. And to be truthful I'm sick of those people who think that they can wait til the last minute to get back home and believe that bad weather gives them the right to speed through the lagoons we live on and wreak havoc on the watercraft that are safely and securely tied up at their docks. "Seeking safe harbor" does not mean you have to get back to your house without any regard for other peoples property. IMHO if you don't have enough sense to check the weather, especially at this time of the year, you shouldn't own any type of a vessel. I am at the point of keeping my camcorder at my side to video the "no wake violators" regardless of weather conditions. At least I'll have proof of any damage incurred which I will happily share with the NJSP Marine Division.

Way to go emergency responsers!!!! Big thumbs up for all your hard work and caring!!

Great reporting and photos, I too look only at the Patch for my Shore news.

I heard the boat that capsized at Tices was that hot dog pontune (sp??) boat.

bow wow dogs or firehouse caterers?