'Jersey Shore' cast comments on Sandy's impact on Seaside Heights

• 'Shore' stars Snooki, JWoww and Pauly D send their thoughts and prayers to the Jersey Shore
• The show spent four of its six seasons taping in Seaside Heights, NJ
• Seaside Heights Mayor Bill Akers says Sandy caused "a billion dollars of damage here"

SEASIDE HEIGHTS — Less than 24 hours after Hurricane Sandy devastated Seaside Heights, three cast members from MTV's "Jersey Shore" released statements about the destruction of their beloved borough where they taped the show.

"Sandy destroyed Seaside — our second home," Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi said in a statement to MTV News. "It's devastating to see our boardwalk and favorite spots ruined. My prayers go out to everyone affected by the storm."

The show spent four of its six seasons taping in Seaside Heights.

Seaside Heights Mayor Bill Akers said Tuesday he has never seen such devastation. FunTown Amusement Pier on the northern end of the boardwalk is destroyed completely and all rides are under water.

"There has to be a billion dollars of damage here," Akers said. "I never could have imagined it."

The damage prompted stars of the MTV reality show to express their emotions.

"My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by Hurricane Sandy, especially our friends and family in Seaside Heights," said Paul "Pauly D" DelVecchio. "A huge thank you to all the men and women who have been working around-the-clock to protect and help everyone. (They are) true heroes."

Jenni "JWoww" Farley added: "This is a devastating time for the East Coast and my prayers are with everyone. I am thinking about my second family at the Jersey Shore and know that we can rebuild and come back stronger."

Contributing: Staff writer Bob Vosseller and previously published Asbury Park Press reports.