The Threat Of Hermine Keeps Many Away From Shore
NEW JERSEY (CBS) -- The threat of Hermine kept thousands of vacationers away from the Jersey shore on what's typically one of the busiest weekends of the summer.
"We were a little concerned about coming down with the storm, but we thought we'd give it a try considering it was the last weekend," said Margie Highberger of Haddon Hills, NJ.
Those who took a chance and stayed were rewarded.
"It's absolutely gorgeous out, no bugs, can't beat it," said Cody Holt of Reading, PA.
"Little by little, the boardwalk came alive and next thing you know it felt like a regular day at the beach and we forgot everything about the weather," said Jason Robinson of West Orange, NJ.
Though the sun was shining, the water was still strictly off limits in Wildwood. Patrolling officers made sure that people stayed far away from the dangerous surf conditions and strong rip currents. But in a place like Wildwood, there are plenty of other ways to have fun.
"You can actually walk on the boardwalk and take advantage of it, you're not shoulder to shoulder, you're not bumping into everybody," Holt said. "No lines for the rides. The kids loved that."
Red Cross volunteers took advantage of the calm to remind people that even if Hermine doesn't ultimately pack a punch, we're not quite out of the woods just yet.
"It's an important reminder that we have to be vigilant about preparedness," said Erica Viviani, Red Cross coordinator for New Jersey. "Now is the time to prepare, now is the time to take those three simple steps of getting that kit, making that plan and being informed. If not for this storm, then you're ready for the next one that may come our way."
Despite the beautiful, breezy weather Sunday, officials are still concerned about potential coastal flooding during periods of high tide.
