Nor'Easter Pummels Plum Island

PLUM ISLAND (CBS) -- The first nor'easter of the season battered the north shore of Massachusetts Thursday.

Strong winds, heavy rains and a brutal surf had people on Plum Island watching closely.

The power of Mother Nature mesmerized dozens of on-lookers who stopped by the beach Thursday morning.

They stood in awe as waves roared far beyond the normal high tide.

The reality, though, is that each wave was washing away a little bit more of the beach.

Erosion has become a serious problem here.

Several Plum Island homes in recent years have been damaged or destroyed in nor'easters.

A mix of private public and public funding has combated the erosion. More sand was added to the beaches and rocks reinforced the dunes.

This is just the first nor'easter of the season.

All eyes will be focused on how much damage Plum Island suffers once the tide moves out.

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