Gov. Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency in preparation for Hurricane Erin, which is causing rough surf, rip currents and flooding up and down the East Coast.
"We are expecting coastal and flash flooding, along with high surf and rip currents," wrote Murphy in a post on X Aug. 21. "Please monitor weather forecasts and stay informed on evacuation protocols, especially if you're down the shore."
The state of emergency went into effect at 2 p.m.
Here's everything you need to know about Hurricane Erin, the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, as it blows by New Jersey.
Where is Hurricane Erin? How big is the storm?
As of 2 p.m. Aug. 21, according to the National Hurricane Center, Erin was about 285 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, moving northeast at 18 mph and carrying sustained winds of 100 mph.
The category 2 storm is expected to turn northeasterly off the Carolina coast and head out to sea over the next few days, according to the National Weather Service's most up-to-date briefing. Its closest approach to our region will be later in the day Aug. 21.
The storm is forecast to gradually weaken to a post-tropical cyclone by Aug. 23, USA TODAY reported. However, it will first impact most of the Atlantic coast all the way up to southeastern Canada.
Hurricane Erin will not make landfall in NJ. Why the state of emergency?
While it will not make landfall in New Jersey, the hurricane is expected to bring coastal and flash flooding, significant beach erosion, and high rip current risk, the NWS said. Tropical storm force winds and ocean wave heights of 10 to 17 feet can be expected through the night of Aug. 21.
A wind advisory is in effect for the coasts of New Jersey and Delaware with gusts of up to 50 mph expected in some parts of the state. Per the NWS, winds inland will be lighter. Morristown, for example, can expect gusts of around 28 mph.
In an earlier post, Murphy warned New Jersey residents to stay out of the ocean, writing, "Life-threatening rip currents will be present 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. Stay safe, New Jersey."
Those living along the shore are advised to remain mindful of evacuation routes in case of an emergency.
What is a state of emergency?
It is a declaration by the governor that makes available a wide array of state resources — from safety personnel to debris removal equipment — to help local communities cope with extreme weather events or other disasters. It also allows the state to mobilize the New Jersey National Guard or to use certain federal assets belonging to them, such as high-wheeled vehicles, ready-to-eat meals and generators.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: State of emergency in NJ ahead of Hurricane Erin. See path
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