OCEAN CITY, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — As crews in Florida search for survivors among the wreckage from Hurricane Ian and South Carolina authorities begin assessing damage from its strike there, the weakening storm's effects can be felt up the coast, towards the Jersey Shore.
While the region isn't seeing anything close to the destruction Ian caused in Florida, with at least 30 people dead, it is getting hit with heavy rain and winds through the weekend. Shore officials say they're monitoring the threat of coastal flooding.
Ian is now a post-tropical cyclone, and the National Weather Service in Mount Holly has warned shore denizens and visitors not to enter the water at the beach this weekend under any circumstance. There is a high risk of rip currents and waves with substantial height throughout the weekend.
One of the first things people noticed on the Ocean City boardwalk is the strength of the waves. Joe Pacula, who has lived in Ocean City his whole life, had a message for anyone who wants to go for a swim. "You're crazy," he said. "Look at it."
Larry, a surfer, opted for a run instead on the boardwalk Saturday morning. He said the waves are too angry. "Better be Mark Spitz, or you better rethink," he said.
In Atlantic City, the Office of Emergency Management announced parking will be free for residents and visitors at the Wave Parking garage on the corner of Mississippi and Fairmount avenues through noon Monday. Parking is limited to the second floor.
Back in Ocean City, while most boardwalk attractions are closed, the storm has led to some makeshift entertainment involving a line of Job Johnny port-a-potties. Alex and Melissa explained.
"Every toilet door blew open there, all at once," said Alex, "then they all closed together."
"It was like a musical," said Melissa.
Shore officials are monitoring the storm's progression and the threat of coastal flooding. Road conditions are dangerous as well with a lot of ponding. With more rain in the forecast, that problem could persist.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
