New Jersey declares State of Emergency as storm moves up the coast

This story originally appeared on 6abc.

New Jersey is under a State of Emergency as a storm makes its way up the coast.

Acting Gov. Tahesha Way made the announcement on Friday that the Garden State would enter a State of Emergency at 10 p.m. on Saturday in preparation for the nor’easter, which is expected to hit Sunday and continue into Monday.

“Starting on Sunday, a dangerous coastal storm will begin to move past our state with extreme weather conditions for several counties, especially those on the Shore,” said Acting Gov. Way.

“In preparation for this storm, I am issuing a State of Emergency for all 21 counties out of an abundance of caution, authorizing our state’s emergency services personnel to activate as necessary. I urge all New Jerseyans to exercise caution, monitor local weather forecasts and warnings, stay informed on evacuation protocols, and remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary.”

The state of emergency will be in effect until “it is determined that an emergency no longer exists,” officials said.

Timing

The storm is expected to develop by the weekend off the Southeast coast as it moves north on Saturday, turning into a nor’easter.

Forecasters say it will bring up to three inches of heavy rain, up to 60 mph gusty winds, as well as coastal flooding on Sunday into Monday, and even Tuesday.

The storm might grow stronger and move quickly up the East Coast, hitting Maryland, the Jersey Shore, Philadelphia, New York City, Long Island, Connecticut and Boston on Sunday and Monday.

Or the storm could move slowly and target the coasts of the Carolinas, Maryland and Delaware.

Jersey Shore preparing

Emergency officials in Cape May County are urging residents to prepare for the possibility of serious issues, including flooding and widespread power outages.

“The worst of the tides are going to be happening during daylight hours, so that’s beneficial for us, so we don’t have to operate in darkness, but what we also have working against us is that we have astronomical tides this weekend,” said OEM Coordinator Michael Eck.

Eck says to make sure everything is removed from the beachfront and move vehicles to higher ground if you live in flood-prone areas.

The Guerriero family isn’t waiting for conditions to deteriorate, getting valuables up and out of harm’s way.

“My son and I are trying to lift everything up that’s possible,” said Anthony Guerriero of Ocean City.

But he says the timing couldn’t be worse.

“Very overwhelming right now because we have a block party going on on the Avenue. So we’re getting ready for a block party and then we’re hit with this,” said Guerriero.

Business owners say they’re staying optimistic despite the storm threat.

“Rain or shine, we always draw a huge crowd,” said Bridget Jacobson.

In Medford, Johnson’s Corner Farm was busy on Friday, with many families trying to enjoy the fall festivities before the storm.

Despite the forecasted strong winds and rain, many local organizers say their events will happen rain or shine.

“We’re optimistic. We deal with Mother Nature all the time as farmers, so we’re just going to roll with it and see what happens,” said farm owner, Gilbert Johnson.

For those staying in the Garden State, organizers say the Medford Apple Festival and Mullica Hill Fall Festival will also go on as planned.