Gov. Mikie Sherrill issued a new warning Sunday as the nor’easter continued to bring flooding, strong winds and power outages across New Jersey, telling residents that the state is “not out of the woods yet.”
“We’re currently in high tide, and we’ll experience another one tonight that could bring more flooding,” Sherrill said in an update Sunday.
She urged residents to remain vigilant, monitor local conditions and follow guidance from emergency officials. She also warned people never to drive through flooded roadways, to report power outages and to check on neighbors and family members who may need assistance.
Coastal Flooding Remains a Major Concern
The governor’s warning comes as coastal communities continue to deal with the effects of the powerful storm.
The National Weather Service maintained Coastal Flood Warnings Sunday for several parts of New Jersey. In Ocean and southeastern Burlington counties, forecasters warned of one to two feet of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways.
The NWS said flooding could make numerous roads impassable and could begin damaging vulnerable structures.
Farther north, a Coastal Flood Warning remained in effect for Hudson, eastern Bergen, eastern Essex and eastern Union counties, where the National Weather Service warned that vulnerable waterfront areas could experience two to three feet of inundation above ground level.
Jersey Shore Communities Hit Hard
The Jersey Shore has been among the areas most affected by the nor’easter.
Floodwaters covered streets in communities including Sea Bright, Monmouth Beach and Long Branch, while some vehicles became trapped or partially submerged. Officials also reported a voluntary evacuation in low-lying sections of Manasquan as water levels rose around the inlet and Main Street.
In Ocean City, high-tide flooding damaged property and created difficult conditions for residents and visitors Saturday, with cleanup taking place between successive tide cycles.
Heavy surf and persistent onshore winds have also contributed to beach erosion and made it harder for floodwaters to drain before the next high tide.
Thousands Still Without Power
The storm has also caused widespread power outages.
As of Sunday morning, JCP&L crews were working to restore electricity to more than 10,000 customers after already restoring service to more than 60,000. PSE&G reported restoring power to more than 40,000 customers, with around 1,000 still waiting for service at the time of the update.
Across the Northeast, the nor’easter knocked out power to more than 100,000 homes and businesses at one point Saturday and contributed to hundreds of flight cancellations.
State of Emergency Remains in Effect
Sherrill declared a State of Emergency Friday for eight counties expected to experience the storm’s most severe effects: Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem.
The declaration activated New Jersey’s State Emergency Operations Center and coordination among the New Jersey State Police, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Transportation and county emergency-management offices.
The storm was expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain, coastal flooding and hazardous conditions through Sunday.
Another High Tide Still Ahead
Although some locations saw water recede after earlier high tides, officials continue to warn that conditions can change quickly.
Persistent winds pushing water toward the shoreline can prevent water levels from falling fully between tide cycles, increasing the possibility of additional flooding when the next high tide arrives.
Sherrill said state officials will continue monitoring the storm and providing updates as conditions develop.
For residents, the message Sunday remains simple: avoid flooded roads, stay alert to local warnings and do not assume the danger has passed just because conditions temporarily improve.
Sources: Office of Governor Mikie Sherrill, National Weather Service, News 12 New Jersey, ABC7 New York, 6abc, Reuters
By NJ RADAR Team