New Jersey's barrier islands, including Seven Mile Island—which encompasses the towns of Avalon and Stone Harbor—have frequently endured the effects of severe weather, particularly during the Atlantic hurricane season, which lasts from June to November each year. But hurricanes aren’t the only storms that have battered the local coastline. Avalon has endured numerous severe weather events, with one of the most unforgettable being the Ash Wednesday Storm, which struck the Mid-Atlantic United States from March 5 to March 9, 1962.

Photo caption: Storm damaged ocean pier

On March 6th, 1962 thousands of people were evacuated from New Jersey towns. On March 7th coastal towns barricaded for safety with no one allowed in or out of town. Avalon, always primarily a resort community, housed 695 islanders who made their home year-round here (source).

Photo caption: West end of Avalon Boulevard in Swainton, camera facing east toward Avalon. Garden State Parkway overpass in view.

Saved in a scrapbook from the time period (donated to the Avalon History Center by Mitty Pearson) is a report from Avalon that "500 persons moved from their homes to the borough hall and fire headquarters...the plan was to evacuate them to the National Guard Armory in Cape May Court House." 

Photo caption: Clip from a scrapbook of March 1962 news articles about the storm

9 ft. tides and waves as high as 40 ft. were reported in some areas and flood water filled the town. The Atlantic Ocean met the bay in the middle of the island. 

Photo caption: Receding flood waters at 22nd Street and Ocean Drive (then 3rd Avenue) after the storm

Amid the flooding fires broke out and some homes were destroyed.

Avalon Fire Chief Chester Cobb reported three dwellings on Ocean Drive (then 3rd Avenue) consumed by fire due to a lack of water pressure (source).

Avalon Police Superintendent Lloyd Riggall's home facing Townsends Inlet at 133 6th Street was smashed by high winds.

Tidal flooding was worse the next day and wreaked more havoc and a total evacuation was called for along Cape May County's shore from Strathmere to Stone Harbor.

Avalon Police Department's switchboard was overloaded with calls from property owners, resulting in a public plea for people to not call or attempt to enter Avalon seeking information until the emergency was over.

Photo caption: Clip from a scrapbook of March 1962 news articles about the storm

When residents and second-homeowners were allowed back into town they faced massive destruction.

Avalon's downtown business district at 21st and Dune Drive was sodden and full of storm debris. 

Photo caption: Color photograph of Dune Dr. and 21st Street covered with storm debris, including a burnt out motorboat.