No matter Hermine’s path, hurricane season has six weeks to go

Some coastal flooding and beach erosion were expected along the Jersey Shore as Tropical Storm Hermine churned north in the Atlantic.

And while the aftermath of that storm was not expected to be a major event in New Jersey, the potential for future storms is still a concern.

Given recent history, area residents won’t become complacent if Hermine leaves the region relatively unscathed, said New Jersey climatologist Dave Robinson.

“I think the memories of Irene, which was just five years ago, and Sandy, only four years ago, are still rather strong in people’s minds,” he said. “They have understood the sometimes fickle nature of these storms.”

The hurricane season usually peaks in mid-September and then tapers off, Robinson said, but late-season storms can be devastating.

Laura Connolly, a spokeswoman for the New Jersey State Police Office of Emergency Management, said it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re prepared.

“You want to make sure that you have a kit at your house with things like batteries and flashlights and fire extinguishers. Really think about making sure that you have some kind of communication plan with your family,” she advised. “You’re not always going to be together in a disaster.”