The full force of Hurricane Sandy, a Category 1 storm with sustained winds of 85 mph, hasn’t slammed the Northeast just yet, but it’s already showing a few frightening hints of its power and foreshadowing things to come.

Photographer Tim Sharkey captured this image late yesterday afternoon of a giant wave “swallowing” a jetty on the New Jersey Shore. In the process of getting the shot, Sharkey almost got inhaled by the sea as well.

Hurricane Sandy inhales a jetty on the Jersey Shore. Photo courtesy/copyright Tim Sharkey/Sharkey Images.

“I got caught under a wave today,” he said. “I dropped down between the rocks and ducked the best I could. But it was so worth getting the shots from that moment.”

Speedonthewater.com is grateful for this image from Sharkey. We are even more pleased he is now safely sheltered and waiting for Sandy’s full fury. To the rest of our friends in the path of the storm, we wish you the best and will be thinking of you. Stay sheltered and take no chances.

We’ll see you on the other side.