ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Hurricane Erin will gradually move out of the United States Saturday, but according to the National Weather Service, minor to moderate coastal flooding and dangerous rip currents remain a threat through Sunday.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency that went into effect at 2 p.m. Thursday. Officials also issued tropical storm, high surf, and high wind warnings.
“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,” said Murphy. “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.”
The biggest flooding threat began Thursday night along New Jersey and Delaware coasts, including Cumberland and Cape May counties and Kent and Sussex counties. The National Weather Service issued a flood warning until 2 a.m. Saturday.
Many people watched as the high tide came all the way out to the end of the beach in Cape May Thursday evening. Emergency Management Coordinator Michael Eck said it’s important for folks down the shore to stay alert.
“Be weather aware. Make sure you’re monitoring local weather services, set critical alerts on your phone. We’d much rather see people prepare rather than have to respond to emergencies,” he said.
The Margate City Fire Department said 16 people and three dogs were rescued Thursday night from rising floodwaters, and dozens more needed help evacuating from restaurants in the back bay area.
“I know there was a couple of older folks that didn't feel safe with driving and stuff like that, and I believe they were off the island. Some people's vehicles were messed up, and they couldn't use them, so they had no way to get home,” said Joseph Watts, a chef at a local restaurant.
Residents can visit ready.nj.gov for weather updates and safety information. New Jersey's Office of Emergency Management maintains an Evacuation Routes webpage here.
The storm didn’t make direct landfall in the United States, but it churned up strong waves and rip currents along the East Coast.
Several beach towns have been advising people to stay out of the water. Margate, Atlantic City and Wildwood, New Jersey, issued a no swimming advisory for the rest of the week.
“We wanna make sure everybody gets the message loud and clear: Stay out of the water — dangerous rip currents. And that’s not only for Cape May,” said Eck. “It’s up and down the entire coast.”
“Never swim or go on a beach without a lifeguard ever, but when you come down this week, definitely talk to the lifeguards on the stand, ask them what type of restrictions there are,” added Ocean City Beach Patrol Capt. Paul Boardman. “That includes depths that they’re allowed out.”
In Delaware, Rehoboth Beach issued a red flag advisory and is prohibiting swimming. Bethany Beach officials issued a storm watch and closed later in the week.
Hurricane Erin’s strength has fluctuated significantly over the past week. It reached a dangerous Category 5 status last weekend with 160 mph winds before weakening. The hurricane turned northeast — and away — from the eastern U.S.
“This is no time to be complacent,” Murphy stressed at a Tuesday news conference. “I would just say to you flat out — don’t go in the water.”
Officials in several shore towns said they will reassess conditions on Friday to determine if it’s safe for people to swim.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.