Atlantic City, NJ digs out from more than a foot of snow

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (WPVI) -- Waves crashed into snow instead of sand Sunday as Atlantic City weathered its most significant storm in ten years, a system that dropped 16.9 inches of snow and prompted a statewide emergency declaration.

Visitors who arrived expecting a quiet getaway instead found themselves in the middle of a winter blast.

"Actually, we're on vacation. We came down here. We didn't expect a snowstorm," said William G. Bell of Juniata Park, who come to Atlantic City to celebrate his dad's birthday.

The storm blanketed the boardwalk and surrounding streets, creating conditions some residents said they had not seen in years.

"It's crazy. I don't think Atlantic City has had a snowstorm like this in a long time," said Erik McClain, who was out with Alyshya McClain.

City crews worked through the night to keep major roads passable, while first responders were among the few vehicles moving through the snow-covered streets.

Shoveling crews tackled sidewalks as the storm continued to pile up snow. Crews with various private companies could be seen working feverishly to clear sidewalks starting Monday morning.

"Because somebody's got to be out here doing it," said one worker who also gave the city a shout-out for clearing the roads to the best of their ability.

By midday, the fierce winds that had whipped through the city began to calm, allowing some residents to venture outside, though not everyone was enthusiastic.

"Only fools out here haha! Only fools," joked Marian Smith-Bell of Juniata Park.

Others embraced the winter weather.

"I always like the winter. I love the winter," one woman said, adding that she even named her four-year-old daughter after the season.

For longtime visitors, the storm's intensity came as a surprise.

"We didn't think it was gonna be this bad because normally when you guys come on and say it's gonna be 8-20 inches I say, 'Yeah it'll be two inches of snow,'" said Bell.

As Atlantic City continues digging out, residents and visitors alike are left with a storm they say they won't soon forget.