New Jersey left forever changed by Sandy

HOBOKEN, New Jersey (WHDH) -- The state of New Jersey has been forever changed and the famed shoreline unrecognizable.

Hurricane Sandy caused a northern New Jersey levee to break. Waters rose 5 feet in 45 minutes. People from three towns were forced from their homes. National guardsmen carried children from their houses to safety.

“It was like a lake in our basement. And it filled up to our all the way up to our stairs,” said one child.

The damage done to the jersey shore was overwhelming.

“This is literally, the storm of our lifetime.”

The power of the storm flattened seaside homes. Glass shattered, buildings crumbled and the boardwalk was left in ruins. The Seaside Amusement Park that stood as a landmark for years was washed way, the shattered rollercoaster now a symbol of sandy's power.

“The level of the devastation at jersey shore is unthinkable,” said Gov. Chris Christie.

The wind knocked down power lines. Millions were left in the dark. In Hoboken, a lot is underwater. But through all the damage the Governor said the people will fight back.

“We'll feel sad for a couple of days, and hell let's go, let's get back to work,” said Christie.

Power remains out in Northern New Jersey and much of New York City. Cell phone service has been spotty everywhere, so people looking to find information cannot get it.