All 21 counties in the Garden State, which is home to more than nine million people under a State of Emergency
A State of Emergency has been declared for nine million people as Hurricane Erin approaches fast.
New Jersey issued the order on Thursday and Governor Phil Murphy told residents to prepare for “life-threatening rip currents… at all ocean beaches across the state.”
He was clear that no-one should be in the ocean because of the terrifying weather conditions on the coast, with locals urged to heed the advice.
Dangerous surf and rip currents
On social media he said: “Absolutely no one should be in the water today or tomorrow. Dangerous surf and rip currents are expected over the next several days.”
Parts of the north have been hit by violent winds which left people with out power as trees and power lines were brought down.
State of Emergency
All 21 counties in the Garden State, which is home to more than nine million people under a State of Emergency until 2am Eastern time tomorrow.
Erin left the North Carolina coast early on Thursday, but forecasters warned its strong winds and dangerous swells could cause further impact to the coastline from Virginia to Nova Scotia.
Murphy added: “Over the past couple of days, we have seen the effects of Hurricane Erin along the Jersey Shore in the form of dangerous rip tides. Today and tomorrow will be no exception.”
Widespread flooding
People in coastal communities should expect widespread flooding on the roads according to the National Weather Service.
An alert form the NWS said: “Many roads become impassable. Some damage to vulnerable structures may begin to occur.”
Sustained winds may reach speeds 50 mph with breaking waves forecast of up to 17 feet along the coast. The waves will bring flooding of between one three feet in low-lying areas.
Advice issued for Jersey locals
Governor Phil Murphy responded to the brutal weather by declaring the State of Emergency for all 21 counties. Not all counties, however, will be impacted.
Murphy added: “As the storm moves past New Jersey over the next 24 hours, we are expecting high surf and rip currents, coastal and flash flooding, and a high erosion risk in parts of the state.
“We ask all New Jerseyans to monitor local weather forecasts and warnings and stay informed on evacuation protocols, especially if you’re down the Shore.”
A Coastal Flood Advisory was also issued by the NWS for Gloucester, Camden, and Northwestern Burlington Counties in New Jersey. This began at 11pm Thursday and will remain until 5am Saturday and means minor tidal flooding is expected.
Other counties including Hudson, Eastern Essex and Eastern Union have been hit by the same advisory until 11pm Friday. Areas near shorelines and tidal waterways are likely to see minor flooding and some road closures.
The NWS warned: “Do not drive your vehicle through flood waters. The water may be deeper than you think it is.
“You will be putting yourself in danger and your vehicle may be damaged, leading to costly repairs.”
A Tropical Storm Warning is in place for New Jersey’s coastal waters from Manasquan Inlet to Fenwick Island, Delaware, The warning extends to 23 miles offshore. Hudson Canyon to Baltimore Canyon it extends 1150 miles.
Gusts of wind measuring up to 52 miles per hour and waves of 12 to 25 feet are expected. Weather experts say the “dangerous conditions” could damage boats and affect vision.
Mariners have been urged to stay in port by the NWS. After changing course, they should seek a safe harbor and secure their boats.
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