A video circulated showing what appeared to be a shark swimming through a flooded street in New Jersey during a nor'easter that pushed floodwaters into coastal neighborhoods, multiple outlets reported.
According to The Western Journal, the footage was recorded in Surf City, on Long Beach Island, as the storm pushed bay water into local streets.
A resident captured the moment on video, with one bystander heard saying, "Is that a little shark? Oh my God, he's coming this way," according to the New York Post.
Outlets across the spectrum covered the video as a striking image from the storm, with some framing it as reminiscent of an internet meme.
How each side covered it
Left
- USA Today and NBC News both reported on video appearing to show a shark swimming through nor'easter-flooded streets in New Jersey.
- Coverage focused on the surprising visual of the shark in floodwaters.
“Shark appears to swim through New Jersey floodwaters” — NBC News
Right
- The Western Journal identified the location as Surf City on Long Beach Island, New Jersey.
- The Western Journal attributed the flooding to a nor'easter pushing bay water into neighborhoods.
- RedState compared the video to an internet meme.
- The New York Post quoted a bystander reacting to the sighting: "Is that a little shark? Oh my God, he's coming this way."
“Shark seen swimming through flooded NJ streets as violent nor'easter batters coast” — New York Post
Questions readers ask
What happened in New Jersey during the nor'easter?
A video showed what appeared to be a shark swimming through a flooded street after a nor'easter pushed bay water into coastal neighborhoods, according to multiple outlets.
Where was the shark video recorded?
According to The Western Journal, the footage was recorded in Surf City on Long Beach Island, New Jersey.
Why did the floodwaters occur?
The Western Journal reported that a nor'easter pushed bay water into Long Beach Island neighborhoods, causing the flooding seen in the video.
What did left- and right-leaning outlets focus on?
Left-leaning outlets such as USA Today and NBC News focused on the shark sighting itself, while right-leaning outlets like The Western Journal, RedState and the New York Post emphasized the storm's chaos, the specific location, and a bystander's reaction caught on video.
Sources · 5 outlet reports
- NBC NewsLeft-leaningShark appears to swim through New Jersey floodwaters
- USA TodayLeft-leaning'Is that a shark?' Shark spotted swimming through nor'easter-flooded street
- New York PostRight-leaningShark seen swimming through flooded NJ streets as violent nor’easter batters coast
- RedStateRight-leaningMeme Come to Life: Yes, That Was a Shark Swimming Up the Street in NJ
- The Western JournalRight-leaningWatch: Shark Seen Swimming Through the Streets of New Jersey as Nor'Easter Brings Chaos