by KYW's David Madden

With just a week and a half before the start of the summer tourist season, many NJ shore communities are scrambling to clean up after Monday’s Nor’easter (see related story). This is one particular challenge in Ocean City.

There was a high tide on Tuesday at 9th and the Boardwalk -- a prime beach location here, and the ocean was lapping on the bottom of the boardwalk steps. That doesn’t leave a lot of room for sunbathers, but not to worry, according to Ocean City Business Administrator Jim Rutala:

"We have a six million dollar beach replenishment project that will start this weekend. Normally, beach replenishment projects are done in the fall or early spring. In our case, just because of funding and logistics, it’s not gonna happen and start until this weekend."

Which, given this freak spring storm, is a blessing in disguise. He expects some of the beach to be back, one way or another, by Memorial Day. But if you want more room, try south of 12th Street.

Learn more about the replenishment project at www.ocnj.us.