WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. -- Heavy rain left Wrightsville Beach’s shoreline fairly empty on Memorial Day.

• Business on the coast was booming on Memorial Day despite rain.
• Businesses report seeing more customers than last year because people were seeking shelter. 
• May has been the wettest month on record for the coast in nearly 150 years. 

The National Weather Service said more than 4 inches of rain fell in the area on Monday. But that didn’t stop tourists from spending their money at local shops and restaurants.

Businesses like the Causeway Café and King Neptunes actually had more people coming in to seek shelter. Restaurant manager Sara Fried said they had more business this year than last year when it was sunny.

"Everyone kind of packs in between here and the places next door, they don't really have anything else to do so they all haul in here and run from place to place to grab a drink or something to eat,” said Sara Fried.

Officials said this is the wettest May on record since 1871 for the Wilmington area.