State Of Emergency Declared As Hurricane Erin Slams NJ

Gov. Phil Murphy has declared a State of Emergency for all of New Jersey Thursday as Hurricane Erin makes its closest pass Thursday, bringing 17-foot waves, major coastal flooding to parts of the shore, life-threatening rip currents and eroding beaches.

This went into effect at 2 p.m.

“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. “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.”

Murphy encouraged residents to visit ready.nj.gov for important weather updates and safety information. Those in affected areas are asked to be mindful of evacuation routes.

Despite the center of the category 2 storm being far off from the coast, Erin's large size has tropical storm-force extending outward up to 320 miles, according to NOAA's National Hurricane Center.

A slew of warnings and advisories are in effect Thursday. A High Surf Advisory and High Rip Current Risk are in place along the Jersey Shore through Friday. A Wind Advisory is in place for coastal zones from Ocean County south. Coastal Flood Warnings are in place along the coast and Coastal Flood Advisories are in place along the Delaware River. The greatest threat of flooding is in Cape May (see below graphic).

The greatest flooding impacts will occur with Thursday evening's high tide. Residents in areas at risk should check with officials for local information.

Winds of 25 mph to 35 mph will blow along the coast, with gusts of up to 50 mph possible, according to the National Weather Service.

Many Jersey Shore beaches are flying red flags and urging beachgoers to stay out of the water as life-threatening rip currents are still occurring. Breaking waves in the surf zone could reach 7 to 12 feet Thursday and up to 17 feet in the open seas, and significant beach erosion is also expected, National Weather Service forecasters said. You can see beach conditions via NJ Beach Cams.

Erin will be moving out to sea, but many of the threats associated with the storm will linger.

“Even as Erin pushes out into the open Atlantic, dangerous conditions are expected at many beaches heading into the weekend," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said.

Friday will see dangerous beach conditions, but conditions will be sunny and warm, according to the National Weather Service. Saturday will also be pleasant.