New Jersey Declares State of Emergency as Hurricane Erin Approaches
Governor Phil Murphy announced a State of Emergency across all 21 counties, effective at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025, in preparation for Hurricane Erin. The forecast calls for coastal and flash flooding, dangerous surf warnings and advisories, and high winds that could sustain up to 50 mph in some areas. Large breaking waves along the shore may reach as high as 17 feet, with flood-prone zones seeing 1 to 3 feet of inundation. Executive Order No. 396 formalizes the emergency declaration statewide.
“Over the past couple of days, we have seen the effects of Hurricane Erin along the Jersey Shore in the form of dangerous rip tides. Today and tomorrow will be no exception,” Murphy said. “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. We ask all New Jerseyans to monitor local weather forecasts and warnings and stay informed on evacuation protocols, especially if you’re down the Shore.”
Officials remind residents to stay updated with weather alerts and safety guidance by visiting ready.nj.gov. Those along the shore should familiarize themselves with evacuation routes and preparedness plans. The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management provides an Evacuation Routes webpage at nj.gov/njoem/plan-prepare/evacuation-routes.shtml for planning. Residents in Northern New Jersey and the New York Metro area can follow the National Weather Service’s New York forecast at weather.gov/okx, while those in Central and Southern New Jersey should consult the National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly site at weather.gov/phi/.
For a copy of Executive Order No. 396, a link is available from the state authorities.
What residents should do now
– Monitor local forecasts and heed any evacuation orders or shelter-in-place advisories.
– Prepare an emergency kit with essentials: medications, water, non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, chargers, copies of important documents.
– Secure outdoor items that could become projectiles, and reinforce doors and windows where needed.
– Plan evacuation routes in advance and identify a safe destination in case of mandatory evacuation.
– Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with mobility challenges, to ensure they have a plan.
Overview and outlook
The emergency declaration enables coordinated state response and resource mobilization to minimize risk from Erin’s impacts, including heavy surf, coastal flooding, and gusty winds. If residents follow guidance and evacuation directives, communities can reduce the number of injuries and property damage while authorities work to restore services as quickly and safely as possible. The situation remains dynamic, and local officials will provide ongoing updates as the storm progresses.
Summary
New Jersey has declared a statewide State of Emergency ahead of Hurricane Erin, with expected coastal flooding, dangerous surf, and high winds across all counties. Residents should monitor forecasts, prepare emergency plans, and follow evacuation guidance to stay safe as the storm approaches. A proactive, coordinated response aims to minimize damage and protect communities.