A State of Emergency has been declared across eight New Jersey counties ahead of a nor'easter expected to begin Friday night and continue through Sunday.
The declaration takes effect at 5 p.m. Friday, and applies to Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem counties.
"Starting tonight, this nor'easter is expected to bring damaging winds, heavy rain, significant coastal flooding, and resulting beach erosion, with these eight counties facing the greatest risk," said Governor Mikie Sherrill.
Sherrill said she is focusing state resources where the storm is expected to hit hardest, while closely monitoring conditions across New Jersey and standing ready to respond wherever needed should other counties reach out.
The storm is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain, significant coastal flooding and hazardous conditions along the coast, with possible inland impacts as well.
"Do not drive through flooded-out roads. We've had too many people have to rescue people from these flooded-out roads and damage to the cars. Do not drive through flooded out roads with this state of emergency," warned Sherrill in a message on her social media.
The most severe effects are expected to begin Friday night and continue through the weekend.
Executive Order No. 25 declares the State of Emergency in the eight counties expected to face the most severe impacts from the storm.
The order also activates the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate response efforts among state and county agencies.
There will also be coordination with the New Jersey State Police, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Transportation and county Offices of Emergency Management. Those agencies are expected to share real-time information, deploy resources and respond to storm-related emergencies.
Sherrill also urged residents to prepare before conditions worsen.
"I urge all New Jerseyans to take this storm seriously, stay safe, and be prepared. Please charge your phones, secure loose items outside, stock up on food and water, and stay off the roads if possible. If you need to travel, please plan ahead and stay up to date on alerts, as conditions can change quickly, and never drive through flooded roads," said Sherrill.
The National Weather Service has issued wind and marine hazards ahead of the storm as well.
"Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible," the National Weather Service's latest brief read. "Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles."
Repeated rounds of minor to moderate tidal flooding are expected along portions of the Atlantic coast.
Coastal flooding is expected during multiple high-tide cycles through at least Saturday night and could continue into Sunday, particularly north of Atlantic City.
The highest tides are currently most likely Saturday morning and/or Saturday night.
The flooding threat is being driven by the combination of elevated tides and persistent northeast-to-north winds pushing water toward the coast.
Flooding: Southern Raritan Bay, the Shrewsbury River and other tidal waterways could see repeated flooding during high tides. Coastal and bayside roads may become difficult or impossible to travel.
Winds: Coastal areas will experience increasingly strong north winds tonight and Saturday, while inland areas could see gusts of 35 to 45 mph.
Weekend: Conditions will depend on the storm's track. A closer coastal track could prolong the strongest winds, rain and coastal flooding into Sunday.
Beach: Dangerous surf, a high rip-current risk and significant beach erosion are expected.
Flooding: Southern Raritan Bay and tidal portions of the Delaware River could experience repeated tidal flooding through the weekend.
Winds: Inland areas could see gusts up to around 45 mph, with stronger conditions closer to the coast. A Wind Advisory is in effect for much of the region beginning Friday evening. National Weather Service+1
Weekend: A storm track farther offshore would limit the strongest inland impacts, but coastal flooding and rough marine conditions could continue.
Temperatures: The region will remain cool through the weekend before warmer weather returns early next week.
Flooding: Coastal communities and back-bay areas around Barnegat Bay face repeated rounds of tidal flooding. The National Weather Service identifies back-bay areas as among those facing some of the most significant impacts. National Weather Service
Winds: Atlantic coastal areas could see sustained north winds of 30 to 40 mph, with gusts reaching 60 mph.
Surf: Dangerous surf, a high rip-current risk, significant beach erosion and possible dune breaches are expected through the weekend.
Weekend: A storm passing closer to the coast could bring heavier rain and stronger winds into Sunday. A track farther offshore would still leave coastal communities vulnerable to flooding, high seas and gusty winds.
— With reporting by Ainsley Martinez
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