AC Open For Business, Blizzard Or Not
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (CBS) -- They're getting ready down the shore for whatever the blizzard might bring, although it's clear one town isn't in panic mode just yet.
It's a bit of a balancing act for Mayor Don Guardian, who told KYW Newsradio at a press conference that the city is, in his words, "open for business but, like a good boy scout, we're being prepared."
"We have a snowstorm, but on top of that, it's the weekend. A lot more people in town," Guardian said. "And we certainly have what we anticipate to be flooding in all of the low-lying areas at each of the high tides Saturday and Sunday."
Early indications suggest that flooding, while serious, won't come anywhere near the levels seen three years ago during Hurricane Sandy. Plans are to open three shelters for locals and the homeless if need be. Officials are reluctant to evacuate them.
"If we had to move people to the west or the north, we're moving people out into more danger in the 16-18 inches of snow throughout the rest of the state," said Angelo DeMaio, Atlantic City's Emergency Management Coordinator.
The city has issued a code blue warning for cold winds through Sunday evening. Guardian said he might also issue a state of emergency should the need arise. The city will also ask for state assistance if it's offered.