Trenton, NJ – Governor Chris Christie today declared a state of emergency for Ocean County, Atlantic County and Cape May County as a result of severe weather conditions expected later today and throughout the Labor Day weekend. The National Weather Service is forecasting Tropical Storm Hermine will impact the entire New Jersey shoreline, and Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May Counties in particular, beginning on September 3, 2016, bringing tropical storm force winds, very heavy and sustained rain, as well as moderate to major coastal flooding with heavy surf and beach erosion. These severe weather conditions may cause power outages and impede transportation and the flow of traffic in New Jersey, thereby make it difficult or impossible for residents to obtain the necessities of life, as well as essential services such as police, fire, and first aid.
“The impending weather conditions constitute an imminent hazard, which threatens and presently endangers the health, safety, and resources of the residents of Ocean County, Atlantic County and Cape May County,” said Governor Christie. “This situation may become too large in scope to be handled by the normal county and municipal operating services in Ocean County, Atlantic County and Cape May County, and this situation may spread to other parts of the State. So as a result, in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the people of the State of New Jersey, I’ve signed an Executive Order declaring a State Of Emergency in Ocean County, Atlantic County, and Cape May County effective immediately, giving emergency management personnel the tools they need to ensure a speedy and orderly response.”
The declaration activates elements of the State Emergency Operations Plan, broadening powers of the New Jersey State Police, including traffic control, and enabling the National Guard to assist with rescue or cleanup operations if necessary.
