New Jersey has declared a State of Emergency as Hurricane Erin threatens the coast.
Governor Phil Murphy issued the order on Thursday, warning residents to prepare for ‘life-threatening rip currents… at all ocean beaches across the state.’
‘Absolutely no one should be in the water today or tomorrow. Dangerous surf and rip currents are expected over the next several days,’ Murphy shared on social media.
Areas in the north have already experienced violent winds that knocked down trees and power lines.
The State of Emergency covers all 21 counties in the Garden State, which is home to more than nine million people, and will remain until 2am ET Saturday.
Erin moved away from the North Carolina coast early Thursday, but forecasters cautioned that its strong winds and dangerous swells could impact the Atlantic coastline from Virginia to Nova Scotia in the coming days.
‘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,’ Murphy said.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said residents in coastal communities should prepare for widespread roadway flooding.
‘Many roads become impassable. Some damage to vulnerable structures may begin to occur,’ the NWS said in an alert.
New Jersey has declared a State of Emergency as Hurricane Erin threatens the coast
The State of Emergency covers all 21 counties in the Garden State. Areas in the north have experienced violent winds that have knocked down trees and power lines. Pictured is Fair Lawn
Parts of New Jersey could see sustained winds reaching 50 mph, breaking waves up to 17 feet along the coast, and flooding of one to three feet in low-lying areas.
In response, Governor Phil Murphy issued Executive Order No. 396, declaring a State of Emergency for all 21 counties. However, not all counties are likely to be impacted by the storm.
‘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,’ said Murphy.
‘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.’
The NWS has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory for Gloucester, Camden, and Northwestern Burlington Counties in New Jersey, effective from 11pm Thursday to 5am Saturday.
A Coastal Flood Advisory means that minor tidal flooding is expected.
Hudson, Eastern Essex and Eastern Union counties are under the same advisory until 11pm Friday.
Up to one foot of inundation above ground level is expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways, potentially causing minor flooding and some road closures.
‘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,’ the NWS said.
New Jersey officials warned locals to stay out of the ocean as Hurricane Erin is moving closer to the coast
Parts of New Jersey experienced rain on Thursday as Hurricane Erin moves closer to its shorline
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for New Jersey’s coastal waters from Manasquan Inlet to Fenwick Island, Delaware, extending up to 23 miles offshore, and for offshore areas from Hudson Canyon to Baltimore Canyon up to 1150 miles out, lasting through at least Thursday night.
Winds of 29 to 40 miles per hour with gusts up to 52 miles per hour and waves of 12 to 25 feet are expected, creating dangerous conditions that could flip or damage boats and make it hard to see.
The NWS urged mariners to stay in port, find a safe harbor, change course or secure their boats.
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .