State of Emergency for Three Coastal Counties in New Jersey – Hazardous Weather Conditions Expected

Hermine is expected to continue on her path of destruction, as she makes her way into New Jersey, prompting Governor Chris Christie to declare states of emergencies for three counties. Atlantic, Ocean and Cape May Counties are all under the State of Emergency.

Though Hermine’s turn from the coast will prevent the expected rain, it’s the winds that are going to impact the storm surge and dangerous tides.

The National Weather Service, as it did yesterday, is still forecasting the dangerous storm surge, and “life-threatening inundation.” This forecast impacts the region from Cape Charles in Virginia to Sandy Hook, NJ, and will persist for the next 36 hours. This watch stays in effect for the next 48 hours for Sandy Hook, Long Island, and locations up to Bridgeport, Conn.

For shore points in New Jersey, tropical storm conditions are expected to begin, with the 20 percent potential of showers beginning around 9 p.m. and winds up to 46 mph. On Labor Day, skies will be cloudy and precipitation at a 40 percent chance, with up to a quarter inch of rain possible and winds up to 50 mph. That night, there is a repeat for rainfall amount potentials, with wind gusts that can reach up to 40 mph. On Tuesday, the gusts may still remain, along with a chance of rain at 30 percent and one-tenth of an inch of precipitation accumulation. After Wednesday, sunny skies and warm temperatures continue, with a high of 84.

A State of Emergency, as posted on the “readynj” website, means that New Jersey’s Office of Emergency Management has the Governor’s authority to mobilize during the expected storm. Residents and visitors should be ready to follow emergency plans.

County shelters may open in towns, and will also be set up if necessary at:

Woodbine Developmental Center – Cape May County

Upper Township Middle School – Cape May County

Atlantic City Convention Center – Atlantic County

Southern Regional High School – Ocean County

Pinelands Regional High School – Ocean County

Other considerations:

Island Beach State Park is currently closed and is expected to remain closed through Mon., Sept. 5.

Allaire State Park is expected to remain closed until noon on Tues., Sept. 6.

New Jersey Transit service may require extra travel time, and potential travelers are urged to operate with extreme caution as they board vehicles, including light rail, trains and buses. Some service may be suspended due to the storm.

Another word of caution is that there have already been several rescues at beaches due to dangerous tides. In Ocean City, NJ where the rescues have occurred residents and visitors have been encouraged to stay away from the beaches and stay safe.

InsideScene.com will continue to follow the storm. Click here to “like” us on Facebook and follow all of our stories.

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