Quick Read
- Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency in New Jersey on August 21, 2025, due to Hurricane Erin.
- Hurricane Erin is a Category 2 storm with 100 mph winds but is not expected to make landfall in New Jersey.
- Coastal flooding, high surf, rip currents, and wind gusts of up to 50 mph are the primary threats.
- Residents are advised to stay informed and follow evacuation protocols if necessary.
- The state is mobilizing resources, including the National Guard, to respond to potential impacts.
As Hurricane Erin churns along the East Coast, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has taken decisive action by declaring a state of emergency across all 21 counties in the state. This declaration, effective as of 2:00 p.m. on August 21, 2025, is intended to prepare the state for the potential impacts of the storm, which include coastal and flash flooding, dangerous rip currents, and high winds.
Hurricane Erin’s Path and Impact
Hurricane Erin, the first major storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, is currently classified as a Category 2 storm. As of the afternoon of August 21, the National Hurricane Center reported that the storm was about 285 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, moving northeast at 18 mph with sustained winds of 100 mph. Although the storm is expected to gradually weaken into a post-tropical cyclone by August 23, it poses immediate threats along the Atlantic coast.
According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Erin is not expected to make landfall in New Jersey. However, the storm’s proximity will still bring significant coastal impacts, including wave heights of up to 17 feet, strong winds gusting up to 50 mph in some areas, and life-threatening rip currents. The most critical period for flooding is anticipated during high tide on the evening of August 21, particularly along the Jersey Shore and Delaware Bay coastlines.
Emergency Measures and Warnings
Governor Murphy’s state of emergency declaration activates a broad array of resources to assist local communities. This includes deploying safety personnel, ensuring debris removal equipment is ready, and making the New Jersey National Guard available for emergency response. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Murphy urged residents to stay informed and follow evacuation protocols if necessary. “Dangerous surf and rip currents are expected over the next several days,” he wrote. “Absolutely no one should be in the water today or tomorrow. Stay safe, New Jersey.”
The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) has also stepped in to assist, offering free parking at the Wave Parking Garage in Atlantic City from 10 a.m. on August 21 to 10 a.m. on August 22. This measure aims to help residents safeguard their vehicles from potential flooding.
Understanding the State of Emergency
A state of emergency is a formal declaration that allows state and local governments to mobilize resources swiftly in response to imminent threats. For New Jersey, this includes access to federal assets such as high-wheeled vehicles, ready-to-eat meals, and generators. It also facilitates coordination between state agencies and local authorities to address challenges posed by extreme weather events like Hurricane Erin.
In addition to mobilizing resources, the state has issued a Coastal Flood Warning until 2 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, covering areas most at risk, including Cumberland and Cape May counties. Residents are advised to consult the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management’s website for evacuation routes and preparedness tips. The National Weather Service continues to provide real-time updates for residents in both northern and southern New Jersey.
Community Preparedness and Safety Tips
With dangerous conditions persisting along the coast, authorities emphasize the importance of preparedness and vigilance. Residents are encouraged to secure outdoor furniture and other loose items that could become projectiles in high winds. For those living in flood-prone areas, sandbags and other flood mitigation measures are strongly recommended.
Furthermore, the state has reiterated the dangers of rip currents, which have already been observed along the Jersey Shore. Swimming is strictly prohibited until conditions improve. Coastal erosion remains another significant concern, as large waves continue to batter the shoreline, potentially causing long-term damage to beaches and infrastructure.
While inland areas are expected to experience milder conditions, residents there are also advised to remain cautious, especially when traveling, as wind gusts and localized flooding could pose risks.
Looking Ahead
As Hurricane Erin moves further northeast, its immediate impact on New Jersey is expected to diminish. However, the storm serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness during hurricane season. Governor Murphy’s proactive measures aim to ensure the safety and well-being of all New Jersey residents, as the state continues to monitor and respond to the evolving situation.
By staying informed and taking appropriate precautions, New Jerseyans can weather this storm and emerge resilient in the face of nature’s challenges.