Storm Recovery Altering Independence Day Plans For Some NJ Communities

NORTHFIELD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- The massive clean-up from severe storms in southern New Jersey is impacting July 4th plans in some communities.

On the beach of the Jersey Shore, the crowds are ready for their holiday vacation. But only a few miles inland, the Independence Day celebration seems a long ways away, CBS 2's Oren Liebermann reported.

"It's just so bad. I feel bad for everybody who's still without power -- it's been 4 days," said Rose Vetter.

Towns like Linwood that were hit by the weekend storms are still cleaning up. Power lines are down on many streets and tree trunks are scattered across lawns. Nearby Northfield decided to postpone its July 4th parade until the weekend.

"I think it's gonna be even better because of the hardships that we've had the last couple of days and some of us more so than others," said Carol Patrick, of the Northfield Cultural Committee.

But after 4 days of cleaning up and living without power, many in the hardest hit areas said they're ready to relax and the nearby beaches are too tempting to pass up when everyone else has off.

"I'm going to go over today and see what the island looks like and we'll make plans from there," said Northfield resident Susan Johnston.

Beach businesses like Ventura's Greenhouse said at first the storms scared visitors away even though the restaurant never lost power. Now locals are mixing with tourists to relax and bookings are up at local hotels.

"You walk in here. You don't see all the trees on your houses. When you go to Northfield, you see it, here you got your peace and quiet, you got your relaxation," said Andrew Christian.

The July 4th holiday is always one of the biggest weeks down the shore. and it looks like it will be again as many families forget about the hardships of the week -- even if only for a day.

Were your July 4 plans affected?  Share your thoughts in the comments section below...