The Big Storm: Learn From Past, Prepare for Future

Representatives from the will recount the devastation left in the wake of an unexpected three-day nor'easter in March 1962.

Then the Ocean City Office of Emergency Management will speak about advances in weather forecasting and emergency preparedness in the 50 years since the Storm of '62 — and why residents have far fewer excuses to be caught off-guard.

The dual presentations will be part of the "Be Prepared" event 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, at the , 550 Wesley Avenue. The event is free, and parking is available at the Tabernacle.

NBC40 meteorologist Dan Skeldon will moderate the event, which will include a question-and-answer session with other meteorologists from the Delaware Valley.

Vendors will display information emergency preparedness products and services from 6 to 7 p.m.

Frank Donato, Ocean City's director of emergency management, said last week that he hopes the event conveys the message that while forecasting technology has improved dramatically in 50 years, people still need to respect a big storm's deadly potential and heed warnings.