A State of Emergency blankets the Garden State as a storm churns up the Atlantic coast
By KATHY McCORMACK Associated Press
A nor’easter churned its way up the East Coast on Sunday, washing out roads and prompting air travel delays as heavily populated areas of the Northeast braced for excessive rain, lashing winds, and coastal flooding.
“The greatest effects are going to be the coastal flooding potential, especially for areas from northeastern North Carolina northward to much of the New Jersey coast,” said meteorologist Bob Oravec with the National Weather Service in College Park, Maryland.
All of New Jersey has been under a state of emergency since Saturday night. It’s expected to last into Monday, authorizing the state’s emergency services personnel to be activated as necessary. On Long Island, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman declared a state of emergency Sunday because of the chance of high ocean waves may push water into bays and waterways.
Parts of the state are forecast to experience moderate to major coastal flooding, inland flash flooding, winds up to 60 mph, up to 5 inches of rain and high surf, potentially causing beach erosion. Some volunteers were putting sandbags at beaches.
Atlantic County officials said a coastal flood warning would remain in effect through 8 p.m. Monday.
Motorists traveling in and out of Atlantic City were told not to use the expressway, especially near high tide. The Black Horse Pike (Route 40) and White Horse Pike (Route 30) were closed in both directions leading into Atlantic City due to flooding early Sunday afternoon.
“Confidence remains high for significant impacts from major coastal flooding & substantial beach erosion with the coastal storm today through Monday,” according to a statement from the National Weather Service in Mount Holly. “Widespread roadway flooding, substantial beach erosion, dune breaching & significant damage to structures along the coast during high tide.”
Motorists are reminded not to drive through flood waters. Water can be deeper than realized and leave motorists stranded and their vehicles damaged.
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