New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has declared a State of Emergency for all 21 counties as Hurricane Erin approaches the East Coast. The order took effect at 2 PM on Thursday as the state braces for severe weather.
Governor Murphy urged residents to take the storm seriously:
“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,”
He advised residents, especially those along the shore, to follow evacuation guidance and stay updated on forecasts.
⚠️ I have declared a State of Emergency effective at 2:00 p.m. in preparation for Hurricane Erin.
We are expecting coastal and flash flooding, along with high surf and rip currents. Please monitor weather forecasts and stay informed on evacuation protocols, especially if you’re…
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) August 21, 2025
Where Is Hurricane Erin Now?
Hurricane Erin remains offshore but is already impacting the coast with dangerous rip currents, heavy surf, and flooding risks. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the storm is a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph.
Forecasts predict:
- Winds up to 50 mph in some areas
- Breaking waves up to 17 feet along the Jersey Shore
- Flooding of 1–3 feet in low-lying and flood-prone areas
Weather Alerts and Coastal Warnings
The NWS has issued coastal flood warnings for central and southern New Jersey, where two to three feet of tidal flooding is expected through early Saturday.
⚠️🌊 Hurricane Erin will make its closest pass to our region today. There have been no major changes to the forecast through tonight. Widespread minor to moderate coastal flooding is forecast, along with strong winds and life threatening surf conditions. #NJwx #DEwx pic.twitter.com/73NVYtksVP
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) August 21, 2025
Additional alerts include:
- Wave heights of 7–12 feet along the Jersey Shore through Friday evening
- Wind gusts up to 45 mph in Long Beach Island, Ocean City, and Atlantic City
- Possible flash flooding in inland areas near Philadelphia and New York City
Emergency crews are on high alert as towns prepare for possible evacuations.
What Does a State of Emergency Mean?
A State of Emergency allows New Jersey to:
- Mobilize state resources, including safety personnel and equipment
- Deploy the National Guard if needed
- Access federal assets like high-wheeled vehicles, generators, and meals
This declaration ensures a faster response to any damage caused by Hurricane Erin.
