Barrier islands are taking a beating today as a northeast storm blows across the cape. Most Wildwood schools are closed, Avalon is having an early dismissal and Wildwood has declared a state of emergency. Cars are being turned around by law enforcement officials, keeping motorists off the George Redding Bridge.

In Cape May Court House, the entire Acme Plaza of retail stores, including the Pier 1 Imports and PNC Bank, are without power and closed. Trees are down in several areas and on the Garden State Parkway. The National Weather Service says wind gusts as high as 62 mph have been clocked in the county along the shore.

Officials on barrier islands are telling residents to try to stay put but to move their cars to higher ground. High tide is expected at around 4 p.m. today with water eight feet above average.