Christie Declares State Of Emergency In 3 N.J. Counties As Hermine Approaches

Gov. Chris Christie declared a state of emergency Saturday afternoon in three New Jersey counties — Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May counties — as the state remains under a tropical storm warning with Hermine moving north.

The storm has been declared a post-tropical cyclone but forecasters from the National Weather Service have upgraded the potential impacts from the storm to include significant coastal flooding.

The National Weather Service's Saturday morning update said moderate coastal flooding could begin with the Saturday evening high tide, with moderate to major flooding Sunday morning.

Hermine also will be bringing tropical storm force winds, very heavy and sustained rain, as well as moderate to major coastal flooding with heavy surf and beach erosion.

Read more: Hour-By-Hour Forecast Of Tropical Storm Hermine In N.J.

The severe weather conditions may cause power outages and impede transportation and the flow of traffic in New Jersey, thereby make it difficult or impossible for residents to obtain the necessities of life, as well as essential services such as police, fire, and first aid, Christie said.

“The impending weather conditions constitute an imminent hazard, which threatens and presently endangers the health, safety, and resources of the residents of Ocean County, Atlantic County and Cape May County,” Christie said. “This situation may become too large in scope to be handled by the normal county and municipal operating services in Ocean County, Atlantic County and Cape May County, and this situation may spread to other parts of the State.

"So as a result, in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the people of the State of New Jersey, I’ve signed an Executive Order declaring a State Of Emergency in Ocean County, Atlantic County, and Cape May County effective immediately, giving emergency management personnel the tools they need to ensure a speedy and orderly response.”

In Ocean County, the sheriff's department said there are no evacuation orders issued as of Saturday afternoon. But beachgoers from Point Pleasant Beach to Island Beach State Park are being told to stay out of the water due to already dangerous rip current conditions.

The declaration activates elements of the State Emergency Operations Plan, broadening powers of the New Jersey State Police, including traffic control, and enabling the National Guard to assist with rescue or cleanup operations if necessary.

As provided by the declaration, the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management will be authorized to mobilize and deploy resources beginning immediately to respond to the storm conditions, including resources of the New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and New Jersey Department of Transportation, in coordination with county and municipal emergency management officials in impacted areas throughout the state.

The statement posted by Christie's office also listed potential county shelter locations. The sites are possibilities if the need arises, the statement said.

Cape May County

Woodbine Developmental Center, 1175 Dehirsch Ave., Woodbine
Upper Township Middle School, 525 Perry Road, Woodbine

Atlantic County
Atlantic City Convention Center, 1 Convention Blvd, Atlantic City

Ocean County
Southern Regional High School, 90 Cedar Bridge Road, Stafford
Pinelands Regional High School, 590 Nugentown Road, Little Egg Harbor Twp.

The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management is continuing to monitor the situation, with the main focus on preparedness, Christie's office said.

Gov. Chris Christie, at the East Dover Fire Company Aug. 26. Karen Wall photo