NJ Governor Murphy Declares Emergency Before Hurricane Erin’s Coast Onslaught
Governor Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency in New Jersey as Hurricane Erin threatens coastal cities hundreds of miles offshore. The storm’s strong outer bands are creating life-threatening rip currents, heavy surf, and coastal flooding on the Jersey Shore despite its distance.
All 21 New Jersey counties are declared emergency as of 2 p.m. Thursday. Due to the hazard, Governor Murphy recommended folks to avoid ocean waters and watch weather updates. For several days, “Life-threatening rip currents will be present at all ocean beaches across the state,” he stated.
Beach Closures, Risks
Red flags ban swimming on most New Jersey beaches. Double red flags indicate rip currents and strong surf in Cape May. Ocean Grove and other shore villages closed beaches until Friday AM to protect people from the storm.
The National Weather Service predicts moderate coastal flooding in Atlantic, Ocean, Monmouth, and Middlesex counties and minor Delaware River flooding from Trenton southward. Most concerning are Erin gusts forcing ocean waters inland during Thursday evening’s high tide. Rising new moon tides increase coastal flooding risk.
Statewide Surf and Wind Warnings
In addition to floods, New Jersey Shore residents can face 25–35 mph winds and 50 mph gusts. Wind advisories are in effect for Atlantic, Cape May, and Ocean counties from 10 a.m. to midnight Thursday. Near open seas, statewide high surf and rip current advisories suggest caution.
The center of Erin was 285 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, with 100 mph sustained winds Thursday afternoon. Hurricane is moving northeast at 18 mph and weakening over the next few days. Nearest storm is 350–400 miles southeast of Cape May. Storm outer bands create powerful winds and waves in New Jersey’s coastal weather even when the storm is far away.
Residents’ Safety
Governor Murphy advised everyone, especially those near the water, to follow local weather reports, official advice, and evacuation plans if conditions worsen. Before improving, coastal towns should avoid recreation due to flash flooding and erosion.
Storm disruption resources come from state-municipal emergency response cooperation. To avert injury, New Jersey citizens should keep educated throughout Hurricane Erin.
