Nor’easter hits Philadelphia region, bringing high waves, coastal flooding to N.J. and Delaware

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A nor’easter is bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the Philadelphia region this weekend, with high waves, beach erosion and flooding expected along the New Jersey and Delaware coasts.

Impacts in the region began Friday, with roadways flooding in Bethany Beach, Delaware, and shore towns in Ocean County, New Jersey.

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill issued a state of emergency beginning 5 p.m. Friday for Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem counties. The State Emergency Operations Center is now active, facilitating communication among state departments and first responders during the weather event.

“I urge all New Jerseyans to take this storm seriously, stay alert, and follow local guidance,” Sherrill wrote in a Facebook post. “We’re prepared and will keep you updated as conditions develop.”

Tens of thousands of people throughout New Jersey were without power as of Saturday afternoon, with Ocean County among the worst-affected areas.

Events throughout the region were postponed or canceled due to the storm. The South Street Fall Fest was canceled, while the 31st Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival and the Philadelphia Half Marathon training run were postponed.

Here’s what you need to know about the storm and its impacts.

What’s the latest forecast?

The slow-moving, strong storm system is expected to affect the region through Sunday.

The storm is forecast to track inland Sunday morning between Long Beach Island and Sandy Hook, New Jersey.

Light rain is expected throughout the region Saturday, with heavier precipitation beginning Saturday afternoon and lasting into Sunday morning.

Weather alerts, watches and advisories

According to the National Weather Service in Mt. Holly, New Jersey, coastal flooding is expected to reach major levels for areas along the New Jersey coast, Delaware coast and central and southern portions of Delaware Bay.

Waves could reach up to 12 feet in some areas.

Widespread power outages are expected.

A high wind warning is in effect through 6 a.m. Sunday for the Delaware and New Jersey coasts, with wind gusts up to 60 mph. The National Weather Service advises people in these areas to seek shelter and drive slowly with both hands on the wheel if driving is necessary.

A wind advisory is in place for areas inland throughout the Philadelphia region. NWS recommends people bring inside any unsecured outdoor items and be cautious when driving.

A coastal flood warning is in effect through 2 a.m. Sunday for Atlantic and Cape May counties in New Jersey, as well as Kent and Sussex counties in Delaware.

Atlantic City, New Jersey, visitors, workers brave the storm

Some visitors to Atlantic City, New Jersey, were undeterred by driving rain and windy conditions Saturday morning.

James Shorey, 43, and Sunny Shorey, 39, of Waterville, Maine, looked out at waves crashing against the beach. The couple went ahead with a trip to celebrate their fifth anniversary, despite news of the approaching storm.

“I think this actually turned out pretty cool because we got front-row seats to this amazing storm,” Sunny Shorey said. “It’s some flooding, but I think it’s minor from what I’ve seen so far.”

James Shorey said it was their third time visiting Atlantic City.

“These are the biggest waves we’ve seen,” he said.

Michelle Mills, 60, and John Mills, 61, also were celebrating an anniversary — their 40th. They were supposed to get in on Saturday but decided to drive the 12 hours from Lansing, Michigan, on Friday to arrive before the storm hit.

The couple planned to go to Caesars Atlantic City Hotel and Casino and take advantage of the casinos being open after taking a look at the beach.

Frank Wainwright, 36, and Marangely Ritzo, 29, came from Philadelphia to celebrate Ritzo’s 30th birthday on Sunday. They said they faced little traffic coming into town Friday night.

“Guess everybody was fleeing the shore,” Wainwright said.

Others braved the elements to get to work.

Damere Kellum, 34, an Atlantic City resident, rode a scooter through flooded intersections on his way to his job as a dispatcher at Atlantic City Linen Supply at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Conditions were “terrible,” Kellum said. “It’s flooded all over there, so I had to come this way just to get to work.”

Kellum planned to hunker down indoors until he gets off at 6:30 p.m. He said he’ll try to ride his scooter home.

If he can’t, he said, “I have to take a Lyft, if they come.”

How is travel impacted?

New Jersey

Several roads are closed throughout the state, particularly along the Jersey Shore, due to flooding.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation said that Route 72 in Ship Bottom, an Ocean County shore town where some residents were evacuating on foot Friday, is closed in both directions at Shore Avenue.

In Cape May County, all lanes of Route 47 in Lower Township at Route 624 and West Rio Grand Avenue are closed in both directions.

In Atlantic County, Route 52 southbound at Route 585 and Shore Road in Somers Point is closed.

In Monmouth County, Route 36 in Sea Bright at Highlands Bridge and Shrewsbury River Bridge is closed in both directions.

Farther inland in Burlington County, all lanes of Route 57 west of Stephensburg Road in Mansfield Township are closed due to downed trees and wires. NJDOT is directing motorists to posted detours.

Follow NJDOT on social media for up-to-the-minute updates. Riders can also check with 511NJ for road conditions.

Delaware

Route 1 from Bethany Beach to Dewey Beach is closed due to flooding, according to the Delaware Department of Transportation.

Follow DelDOT on social media for up-to-the-minute updates.

Amtrak

Amtrak said that select trains along the Northeast Corridor are being canceled or adjusted in response to the storm, including routes between Harrisburg and Philadelphia and on up through Boston.

Several travelers at Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station told WHYY News that they experienced delays or were otherwise unaffected by the storm.

Juan Bayas, visiting from Ecuador, received notice that his train to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was canceled Saturday morning. He changed to another train at 2 p.m. — but that was also canceled.

He waited for his family to instead come and pick him Saturday afternoon — and looked on the bright side.

“They already gave me my money back,” Bayas said of Amtrak.

NJ Transit

Service on NJ Transit’s River Line Light Rail will be suspended between the Cass Street and Florence stations through Sunday. Riders will be provided substitute bus service.

Other bus and rail services are operating on a regular weekend schedule as of 11 a.m. Saturday.

Riders may monitor the latest NJ Transit service updates online.

PATCO

PATCO is operating on special schedules due to track work through Monday.

Riders are encouraged to sign up for PATCO alerts for service updates.

Airports

Travelers should expect delays and possible cancellations at Philadelphia International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.

Major airlines are offering waivers for flights from both airports and others in the affected region allowing passengers to change their bookings at no charge.

Travelers are encouraged to check with their airline for further delays or cancellations that may impact flights.

Editor’s note: This story will be updated throughout the day as weather conditions change.