New Jersey Prepares for Severe Weather: State of Emergency Issued

According to the most recent forecast, a powerful and dangerous nor'easter is expected to batter the state with 60 mph wind gusts, moderate to catastrophic coastal flooding, and several inches of heavy rain on Saturday night, causing a State of Emergency to be declared for the entirety of New Jersey.

I urge all New Jerseyans to exercise caution, monitor local weather forecasts and warnings, stay informed on evacuation protocols, and remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary."

"Starting on Sunday, a dangerous coastal storm will begin to move past our state with extreme weather conditions for several counties, especially those on the Shore," said Acting Governor Tahesha Way. "In preparation for this storm, I am issuing a State of Emergency for all 21 counties out of an abundance of caution, authorizing our state’s emergency services personnel to activate as necessary. I urge all New Jerseyans to exercise caution, monitor local weather forecasts and warnings, stay informed on evacuation protocols, and remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary."

It will stop when it is decided that there is no longer an emergency, which is 10 p.m. on Saturday.

Although the precise path and strength of the storm are still unknown, forecasters warned that even a smaller storm may have a big impact along the coast.

When rain rolls into the area and winds begin to increase on Saturday night, things will start to go south. According to National Weather Service forecasters, wind gusts will be approaching 40 to 50 mph by Sunday morning.

The National Weather Service is describing the storm as "potentially significant," and it is expected to intensify from Sunday through the beginning of next week.

It is anticipated that the tides would rise one to three feet above usual. From Sunday morning until Monday night, Cumberland, Atlantic, Cape May, Ocean, southeast Burlington, Middlesex, and Monmouth counties will all be under a coastal flood watch. A widespread 1 to 3 inches of rain is forecast across the entire region, with locally higher amounts of 3 to 5 inches possible especially near the coast.

Keep up to date and check locate weather forecast.