OCEAN CITY — Fifty years ago, the storm of ’62 roared into Ocean City and overstayed its welcome by three days. Many survivors and even more people who have flocked to the Jersey Shore since then want to know: Could it happen again?

OCEAN CITY — When the storm ended and the water subsided, residents and city officials began the arduous task of cleaning up, but many property owners wanted nothing to do with it.

Tom and Teresa Ang awoke to the sound of a car horn blaring early on the morning of March 6, 1962.

A college student in 1962, Charlie Bowman Sr. said the storm “was wild.”

She was 9 years old, and a tomboy when the storm hit. Where others saw devastation, Diane Smith Reese saw opportunity.

A 50-year emergency management veteran, Frank Carlin was recently honored with a plaque and a congratulatory handshake from Gov. Chris Christie for his service.

John Kemenosh, the octogenarian 1st Ward councilman, had a big family to take care of: seven children in March 1962. He depended on a good spring season in the family’s appliance store, Voss Plumbing and Heating on Fifth Street and Asbury Avenue.

Weathering the 1962 nor’easter are Rick Minichino, Margaret Minichino, Mario Minichino and Susan Minichino. Children not pictured are Robert Minichino, who was sick with the measles and Missy Minichino, who was not born yet, but alive in her mother’s belly. Also not in photo is dad, Sam, who was working for the city and busy trying to get people evacuated to safety.

Sam and Margaret Minichino and their four children: Susan, Robert, Richard and Mario, lived at 936 Pleasure Ave., a stone’s throw from the Ninth Street bridge. Margaret Minichino was expecting the family’s fifth child when the water started rising on March 6, 1962.

Bob and Deane Adams lived at 352 Simpson Avenue with their two boys, Rob and Mark, and brand new baby girl, Sandra, who was born on Valentine’s Day.