The remnants of Hurricane Irene's rage are seen at Washington Street in Rocky Hill and along River Road between Montgomery and Princeton Township, New Jersey. An old tree, which once stood as a stately presence in front of a traditional white house, is now toppled across the lush lawn. Its broken trunk and scattered branches evidence the storm's force. On display are the jagged splinters of the fallen giant, a raw break from the main trunk, symbolising the sudden violence of nature.
On the now-flooded River Road, the water rises high enough to submerge the base of the sign welcoming travellers to Princeton Township. The flood waters reflect the trees and utility poles on its still surface. It's a surreal landscape where the road should be; now, a makeshift river mirrors the sky and foliage.
A lone cyclist, pausing at the water's edge, contemplates and photographs the submerged path ahead. A tree in the background lies across power lines, a stark reminder of the disruption to human lives and the power of natural forces. These images capture the unexpected transformation of the everyday landscapes, the silence after the storm, and the resilience of communities facing the aftermath of nature's fury.
