Hurricane Erin State of Emergency in New Jersey
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency on Thursday as Hurricane Erin, though still offshore, battered the East Coast with dangerous rip currents, powerful surf, and coastal flooding. The declaration, which covers all 21 counties, came after first responders in Margate City rescued more than 50 people trapped in rising waters during Thursday night’s high tide. Firefighters pulled at least 30 people from a restaurant, rescued 16 others and three dogs from vehicles, and responded to gas leaks and electrical fires as floodwaters surged inland.
The National Hurricane Center warned that Erin, now downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane, continues to pose “life-threatening” risks despite remaining at sea. Forecasters said waves could reach up to 17 feet along parts of the New Jersey coast, with sustained winds approaching 50 mph and flooding expected to worsen during successive high tides through Friday. Governor Murphy urged residents and tourists to stay out of the water, stressing that while conditions might appear calm from shore, rip currents remain deadly.
Authorities from New York to Delaware have closed beaches and issued no-swimming orders as the storm churns up the Atlantic. In New Jersey, officials remain on alert for additional flooding during the next tide cycles, warning residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to be prepared for repeated inundation. Erin has already caused dune breaches and flooded highways in North Carolina’s Outer Banks earlier this week, and its massive wind field continues to drive hazardous surf hundreds of miles up the coast.
Though Hurricane Erin has not made landfall, its impact is being felt acutely across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. With beach closures in effect, rescue operations ongoing, and another round of flooding expected, officials continue to stress that the greatest danger lies not in the storm’s track but in its relentless push of water against the coast.
