State of emergency declared as Hurricane Erin brings dangerous surf and rip currents to New Jersey
New Jersey is bracing for dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents along the coast as Hurricane Erin remains hundreds of miles offshore. Governor Phil Murphy announced a state of emergency covering all 21 counties, with officials warning that no one should be in the water today or tomorrow.
Red flags are flying along most beaches, signaling that swimming is off-limits. Some shore communities have intensified the warning with double red flags, underscoring the severity of the crashing waves and powerful rip currents generated by Erin’s outer bands. Ocean Grove has closed its entire beach through Friday morning, a precaution shared by several other Jersey Shore towns.
Coastal flooding and high surf are expected to be persistent threats over the next several days. Moderate flooding is forecast for coastal waterways in Atlantic, Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties, with minor flooding possible along the Delaware River from Trenton downstream. A coastal flood warning is in effect for Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties through 2 a.m. Saturday, while coastal flood watches run from 11 p.m. Thursday until 2 a.m. Saturday for Gloucester, Camden and northwestern Burlington counties. A high risk of rip currents and high surf will continue across the Jersey Shore through Friday.
Winds along the coast are expected to be sustained in the 25 to 35 mph range, with gusts potentially reaching 50 mph. A wind advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. to midnight Thursday for Atlantic, Cape May and Ocean counties.
Erin’s center was about 285 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, as of 2 p.m. Thursday, with maximum sustained winds near 100 mph. The storm is moving northeast at about 18 mph and is expected to weaken gradually over the next day or two. Although the strongest part of Erin is far offshore, its size means outer bands will continue to drive gusty winds and hazardous waves into the Shore.
What residents should know and do
– Stay out of the water and avoid regional beaches until officials lift the warnings.
– Monitor local forecasts and heed evacuation instructions and beach closures.
– Expect road and waterway flooding in low-lying coastal areas; plan for possible travel delays.
– Check the status of the beaches and coastal advisories before heading to shore communities.
A note on resilience and preparedness
Authorities have activated emergency management measures to coordinate resources and keep residents informed. As Erin moves away, officials will reassess conditions and communicate when it is safe to resume normal beach activities. The Jersey Shore communities remain focused on safety, recovery planning, and public information to protect residents and visitors.
Summary
Hurricane Erin has prompted a state of emergency across New Jersey, widespread red flag warnings, and multiple coastal flood advisories as it spurs dangerous surf and rip currents. With winds expected to gust up to 50 mph and coastal flooding risks through the weekend, officials urge people to stay off the beaches, monitor forecasts, and follow local guidance until conditions improve.