Snowstorm creates winter wonderland at shore

An overnight storm blanketed Cape May and Atlantic counties in a thick layer of snow, transforming towns into winter wonderlands and prompting many to embrace the snowy scenery.  

“We took care of the snow around our house, and we just decided to come down here to the Boardwalk and see what was going on outside,” said Kurt Brown, who was walking on the Ocean City Boardwalk and enjoying the snowy views with his wife, Lizbeth Tate-Brown.  

According to NJ.com, Cape May received the most snow in the state with 8.8 inches reported, followed by Galloway Township in Atlantic County with 8 inches.

All Ocean City schools were closed for the day due to the weather. Officials in Ocean City and Sea Isle City said the municipal Public Works crews did a commendable job removing snow from the roads.

“The roads are fine. There are no issues here. We’re all clear,” said Ocean City Emergency Management Coordinator Frank Donato.

    Sea Isle City's oceanfront Promenade is virtually deserted.
  

Parts of Sea Isle were quiet, if not empty, after the snow stopped, including the oceanfront Promenade.

Sea Isle spokeswoman Katherine Custer said the timing of the storm allowed Public Works crews to get a jump on plowing the roads.

“We’re in great shape,” Custer said. “The Public Works team did an amazing job.”

While many opted to stay warm and have a cozy day inside, some people decided to enjoy the winter wonderland outdoors, having snowball fights, sledding and building snowmen.  

“We’re snow people, so we love this,” Lizbeth Tate-Brown said. “To see snow on the beach and on the Boardwalk like this is very special. It’s not something we get very often.”  

    Kurt Brown and his wife, Lizbeth Tate-Brown, bundle up to enjoy an outing on the Boardwalk.
  

Kurt and Lizbeth enjoyed pizza from Manco and Manco for lunch and were looking forward to their “Sunday gravy” dinner, a tradition in their household whenever it snows heavily.  

Boardwalk businesses Johnson’s Popcorn, Jilly’s Arcade, Shriver’s and Fudge Kitchen were open for business despite the snowy weather.   

Jill Chin decided to enjoy the snow day with her son, Sebastian, who was ecstatic to have a day off from the second grade.

They decided to go up on the Boardwalk and build a snowman at 6th Street so they could take a photo of it with the Ferris wheel from the former Gillian's Wonderland Pier in the background.

Because the amusement park closed following the 2024 season, Chin pointed out this could be their last opportunity if it doesn’t snow again this year.

    A pathway leads to the scenic snow-covered beach in Sea Isle.
  

Sebastian said he was having a great time playing in the snow and crafting the snowman with his mom.  

“We’re having a blast,” Jill Chin said. “This snow is especially good for building a snowman because it's so packable.”  

Jill Chin said the two celebrated the day off from school by having a cozy morning inside, and made French toast casserole together. They also were planning to bake homemade bread later in the day, and Sebastian said he was also hoping to sled.   

In the Merion Park section of Ocean City, many middle school-aged kids from the neighborhood decided to sled down the grass hill alongside the 34th Street Bridge.

They laughed and cheered as they raced each other down the hill on their sleds, bodyboards and snowboards. 

    Children take advantage of their day off from school to do some sledding in Ocean City's Merion Park neighborhood.
  

    The Sea Isle City lifeguard boat near the Promenade creates an ideal photo-op for the snow.
  

    The Boardwalk is quiet in the storm's aftermath.

  

    John F. Kennedy Boulevard in Sea Isle is clear of snow after the plow crews did their job.