Thin crowds at local NY, NJ beaches due to clouds, storms on Memorial Day
JONES BEACH, New York (WABC) -- Even though Mother Nature may not be cooperating this Memorial Day, some people still tried to get out and enjoy the beach while they could.
The sun did pop out for a bit on Monday morning, but some clouds rolled in from time to time at Jones Beach.
It was a far cry from the hundreds of thousands of spectators at the Bethpage Air Show, just a couple of days later only a few dozen people decided to take their chances at the beach and see if the weather might pass by quickly.
Some people were grateful that there was an empty boardwalk.
"It's kind of nice to bike that way. It's hard to bike with a lot of people around," a bicyclist said.
Memorial Day Weekend is generally a big beach weekend but businesses and officials in the area are hoping that the next good weather day will bring beachgoers back.
In New Jersey, beachgoers were also determined to squeeze the last second of sun and time out of the long holiday weekend.
"We're just coming from Dover two hours ago, so yeah it's so sad because you know it's the weekend, we just tried to have some fun with the family," said Diego Hernandez of Delaware.
The rain would chase them back under the cover, except the really die-hard beachgoers, who tried to stick it out on the sand.
Lifeguards in the meantime stood their ground overseeing everything even during the downpours.
"Right now, we just monitor the weather, make sure no lightning in the area. If there is, then we'll clear everybody off the beach, but if it's raining, we'll stay out here. We'll just keep our eye on the water and keep an eye on everybody and make sure everybody's safe and still having a good time," Seaside Heights beach Patrol Sgt. Pete Fusco said.
A holiday meant to honor those who served, the rain didn't dampen the reason for the day, nor the hearts of so many.
"Remember the people who sacrifice their lives so we could have our freedom. That's what it's all about," said boardwalk merchant Dale Van Horn.
READ MORE: Memorial Day Ceremony held for service members aboard Intrepid
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