Streets Flood As 'Dangerous' Nor'easter Arrives In NJ: Latest Forecast

A State of Emergency in reaction to a strong, dangerous storm has blanketed the Garden State since Saturday night. As the forecasted 60 mph wind gusts, coastal flooding and several inches of heavy rain encroach on the region, some towns are already feeling the impacts of the severe weather Sunday evening.

On Sunday morning, the National Weather service noted that confidence remained high for major coastal flooding and beach erosion that could be exacerbated by high tide, threatening buildings along the coast.

The flooding and strong, damaging winds gusting to 50-60 MPH along the NJ and DE coasts alongside power outages and havoc inland are what triggered the State of Emergency.

"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."

The emergency status will remain until it is determined an emergency no longer exists, officials said.

Barrier island communities and low-lying areas that usually take on water during storms are most at risk here.

Tides are expected to reach 1 to 3 feet above normal. A Coastal Flood Watch will be in place from Sunday morning through Monday evening in Cumberland, Atlantic, Cape May, Ocean, southeastern Burlington, Middlesex and Monmouth counties.

"While that sounds like a lot, it is important to keep in mind that this will be falling over a 36 to 48 hour period," National Weather Service forecasters said. "It has been quite dry as well."

Flooding due to heavy rain alone is expected to be limited to poor drainage and urban areas. But that much rainfall could worsen coastal flooding with moderate to major impacts already expected.

Since the storm is still evolving, not all details are set in stone. Patch will share updates as they become available.