The Great Storm of March 1962
We take time this issue to remember the Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962 – 60 years ago this March. Thanks to the late Bob Penrose’s family for allowing us to utilize his photography. Bob Sr. was a lifelong visitor to Cape May County and a pioneer in documenting local history. His photos will give you some idea of the damage that occurred from one of the 10 worst storms in the United States in the 20th century and still one of the most devastating ever on the East Coast. Estimates were that in New Jersey alone there was $80 million in damage – with inflation, in today’s world, that number is about $745 million. The storm lingered for three days and five high tides with wind gusts clocked at more than 70 mph. Some folks here in Sea Isle City needed to evacuate by helicopter.
