ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (WPVI) — Atlantic City officials say they have not seen a storm this severe since 2016, as a powerful blizzard swept across the region Sunday, prompting warnings, closures and a statewide emergency declaration.
While most residents sought shelter, some workers and visitors still found themselves outside in the dangerous conditions.
“I never did this before. This is the first time I’ve come out in a snowstorm to go to work,” said Jonathan Mitchell of Lawnside, New Jersey.
Others ventured out simply to experience the storm firsthand.
“Well, I heard there was a blizzard, and I didn’t want to miss it!” said Bud Corey of Springfield, Delaware County.
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Wind whipped snow across Atlantic City’s streets and boardwalk as police patrolled snow-packed roads.
Snow coated everything from sidewalks to casino entrances, and walking became hazardous.
“I don’t really like it. I just slipped and fell and twisted my ankle,” said Skylar Sanjuan of Tampa, Florida.
Another visitor, Robert Buchman of Atlantic City, added, “The boards are always slippery. Any moisture and they can be slimy.”
Plows passed over the boardwalk several times an hour, but the snowfall accumulated too quickly to keep the surfaces clear. Many visitors sought refuge inside casinos and hotels.
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Corey noted one advantage of staying at a casino: “I don’t have to shovel any snow from my car or dig it out because it’s in Caesar’s parking garage… That’s the whole plan.”
A Florida family visiting the city said they were caught off guard by the winter blast.
“I’ve got used to that Florida weather, so we were not expecting this whatsoever,” said Michael Sanjuan of Tampa. His daughter Roxy added, “It’s too cold. I like Florida better.”
Forecasters said Atlantic City could see one to two inches of snow per hour. The city has already announced its offices will close Monday, and all of New Jersey remains under a State of Emergency as the storm continues.
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For some, even a short walk outside was enough.
“I just came out to see what it was like from that door to this door,” Corey said. When asked if he’d had enough, he replied, “I’ve had enough. I’m headed back in. Thank you very much!”
With conditions deteriorating, New Jersey’s governor urged residents to stay home until the storm passes.
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