Hurricane Dorian: Here's When It Could Impact New Jersey

NEW JERSEY — Hurricane Dorian packed 185 mph sustained winds as it barreled through the Bahamas Sunday and strongly hinted at a northern course along the Atlantic coastline, which has New Jersey forecasters and officials watching the storm for signs that it could bring strong winds, rip currents and heavy rains to the state later this week.

Indeed, the storm already may be having some impact. Strong rip currents were reported at the Jersey Shore that were likely caused, in part, by Dorian.

The catastrophic storm made landfall Sunday morning in the Bahamas as a category 5 storm with 185 mph winds, and gusts topping 220 mph. Forecasters said it could reach Georgia's coast around 8 a.m. Wednesday as a major hurricane with wind speeds over 110 miles per hour. From there the predicted path of the storm spins north along the East Coast, perhaps impacting New Jersey by 8 p.m. Friday.

Indeed, part of New Jersey has even entered the National Hurricane Center's "cone of uncertaintly," which forecasts all the possible areas that would feel the impact of the storm:

Joe Miketta, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, told Patch that he doesn't expect the storm to hit New Jersey directly – thought part of Dorian's western edge could "brush" over the Jersey Shore.

"We might just get a glancing blow," he said.

Some forecasters, however, suggested otherwise.

A rip current statement also was issued for the entire Jersey Shore. Very strong rip currents will be dangerous, the National Weather Service. Swim near a lifeguard; if caught in a rip current, relax and float.

Officials in Cape May County and Long Beach Island were advising and urging people to stay out of the water.

"Due to extremely dangerous rip currents, and numerous water rescues please stay out of the ocean. NO SWIMMING!" Long Beach Township officials told swimmers.

Some areas could get more than rip tides. Locations such as Norfolk, Virginia; Dover, Delaware; Atlantic City, New Jersey; Islip, New York; and Plymouth, Massachusetts could face a 12- to 24-hour period of soaking rain and gusty winds, according to AccuWeather.

Of course, anything can happen in the coming days. Hurricanes are known to unexpectedly veer to a new course, fizzle out or strengthen. That's why leaders and forecasters along the Eastern Seaboard are urging residents to monitor weather forecasts and plan ahead in case the storm brings its wind and rains inland.

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for most of New Jersey, saying strong winds could impact the region on Monday, but that weather won't be connected to Dorian.

The National Hurricane Center's graphics shows winds from the storm could affect parts of New Jersey by late Friday:

Patch is tracking every move of Hurricane Dorian. Get all the updates on the storm by subscribing to Patch's free breaking news alerts and daily newsletters.

Here's the forecast:

• Labor Day: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. South wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Monday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am, then a slight chance of showers. Patchy fog after 2am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind 5 to 8 mph becoming west after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Tuesday: Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 81. North wind around 6 mph becoming east in the afternoon.
• Tuesday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. South wind around 7 mph.
• Wednesday: A slight chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
• Wednesday night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
• Thursday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Thursday night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Friday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Prepare Your Home

• Bring loose, lightweight objects such as patio furniture, garbage cans and bicycles inside.
• Anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., gas grills and propane tanks).
• Trim or remove damaged trees and limbs close enough to fall on structures.
• Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.
• Purchase a portable generator or install a whole-house generator for use during power outages.
• Keep alternative power sources, such as a portable generator, outside, at least 20 feet away from the house, and protected from moisture.
• Document the condition of your home prior to the storm.

How To Prepare

Contact an insurance agent or call the National Flood Insurance Program at 888.379.9531 or visit Floodsmart.gov purchase a flood insurance policy. Remember, it takes 30 days for a flood insurance policy to take effect, don’t wait till you see a storm coming to purchase a plan!