Winter Storm Wallops Ocean City Fishing Pier Renovated After Sandy

OCEAN CITY, Md. (WJZ) -- An iconic Ocean City landmark is heavily damaged again. This week's winter weather hit the fishing pier.

As Gigi Barnett explains, the pier was recently renovated after Superstorm Sandy.

Any time of year, Ocean City visitors expect to see the landmark fishing pier. Earlier this week, what visitors saw was a shock.

"It's just bad. I hope it's opened by summertime," said Ocean City visitor Michael Detz.

Strong waves and wicked winds blew in with the snowstorm this week, badly damaging the pylons on the 107-year-old pier.

This is the second time Mother Nature has ravaged the pier. Back in October 2012, Superstorm Sandy wreaked havoc, washing parts of it into the Atlantic.

"Yesterday we came down. It was windy and bad, but nothing like Sandy," said Lisa Detz. "I can see why Sandy took it down in October."

Last year, after a lengthy and costly restoration, Ocean City reopened it, promising that it was strong enough to withstand the elements.

"It symbolizes what people have experienced in the past. It's a nostalgic type of structure and we're very proud that it's been rebuilt," said Mayor Rick Meehan.

But what's to blame: Mother Nature or possibly poor reconstruction?

"I did see the waves yesterday and they were bad. Really, really bad," said Sherry Labuda. "I don't think it's the reconstruction. Not at all."

For now, the pier is closed--again.

There's no word yet from Ocean City leaders on how much repairs will cost.

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