A Nor’easter struck Ocean City on March 6, 1962 and lasted through three high tide cycles over a two-day period. The most devastating storm in the town’s history, it remains the standard by which all other storms are judged.
The ocean and the bay waters met and put the town completely under water. Local residents were evacuated by the volunteer fire department and the U.S. Coast Guard and two men lost their lives. The Boardwalk was demolished and many buildings were completely destroyed – some even washed out to sea.
Under the leadership of Mayor Hugh Thomas Cropper, Jr. and with massive state aid, Ocean City fought back. Ten weeks later, the town was open for business on Memorial Day weekend.
A spread on the storm with more photos and personal recollections can be found in my book on pages 100 to 111.
Photo by Carolyn Malion