1944 Hurricane
1962 Storm
🌊 Major Storms in Ocean City, New Jersey
Ocean City, New Jersey has faced some of the most powerful coastal storms in Mid-Atlantic history. From prolonged nor’easters to major hurricanes and historic blizzards, these events reshaped the boardwalk, altered neighborhoods, and tested the resilience of the community.
Below is a historical overview of the most significant storms to impact Ocean City, NJ.
The most destructive coastal storm in modern Ocean City history was the
Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962.
Beginning in early March 1962, the storm stalled offshore for three days, allowing repeated high-tide cycles to flood the island. Large sections of the boardwalk were destroyed, dunes were flattened, and homes were severely damaged by erosion and wave action.
Unlike a fast-moving hurricane, this nor’easter lingered, compounding the destruction with each tide.
👉 View Full 1962 Storm Gallery
🌊 1944 – The Great Atlantic Hurricane
In September 1944, the powerful 1944 Atlantic Hurricane
moved up the East Coast, bringing hurricane-force winds and significant storm surge to New Jersey.
Ocean City experienced severe structural damage, flooding, and major shoreline changes. The 1944 hurricane remains one of the strongest hurricanes to directly impact the New Jersey coast.
❄ 1978 – Blizzard of the Century
The Blizzard of 1978 brought a rare but powerful winter assault to the Jersey Shore.
Heavy snow, high winds, and coastal flooding once again impacted Ocean City’s boardwalk and beachfront properties. Snowdrifts buried sections of the island while tidal flooding created icy damage along vulnerable areas.
For many residents, the Blizzard of 1978 became the winter benchmark storm — often compared to the destruction seen in 1962.
👉 View Blizzard of 1978 Gallery
🌧 Modern Nor’easters
Ocean City continues to experience strong coastal storms, including recent fall and winter nor’easters that cause tidal flooding and beach erosion.
Modern storm events are mitigated by:
Beach replenishment projects
Improved dune systems
Stronger building codes
Advanced forecasting
While infrastructure has improved, Ocean City’s geography ensures that coastal storms will always be part of its history.
Why Storms Shaped Ocean City
Because Ocean City is a barrier island, storms have directly influenced:
Boardwalk construction and rebuilding
Beach replenishment efforts
Dune engineering projects
Home elevation standards
Flood mitigation planning
Each major storm led to improvements that strengthened the island for future generations.
The history of Ocean City, NJ cannot be told without understanding the impact of these powerful coastal events.