The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) will activate the State Emergency Operations Center in order to monitor the nor’easter conditions expected to last through Saturday. NJOEM has been in contact with all 21 counties and members of the Emergency Response Bureau are working with their counties to address any storm related needs. State Emergency Management Partners have been notified and continue to coordinate with NJOEM on any traffic, power, and flood concerns. 

Current Forecast

Coastal flooding, heavy rain, and high winds are forecast. Some snow may fall in northern locations. Advisories posted for Friday and Saturday include a Coastal Flood Watch for Atlantic and Delaware Bay counties, a Coastal Flood Advisory for Hudson River counties, a High Wind Warning for most counties and a Winter Storm Watch for Sussex and Passaic counties.

Impacts to New Jersey

Rain will be heaviest on Friday with winds of 20-45 mph. Gusts over 50 mph are possible at the coast. Minor to moderate coastal flooding will occur with high tides Friday and Saturday. Heavy rain may flood some rivers and streams and cause ponding in urban locations and poor drainage areas. High winds may impact trees and power lines. 

Stay Informed

Follow weather news for local forecasts, warnings, and watches through Sunday. 

For those living in Central and Southern New Jersey visit US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly http://www.weather.gov/phi/. For those living in Northern New Jersey and the New York Metro area visit US National Weather Service New York NY http://www.weather.gov/okx/.

Visit ready.nj.gov for information on how to build a kit, make a plan, and prepare your family for emergencies. Pets are family too! Remember to include them in your emergency plans. Visit animalemergency.nj.gov to find out more. 

Follow NJOEM on social media for important weather updates and safety information:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReadyNewJersey

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ReadyNJ

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ReadyNJ 

Important Tips to Remember

• If you are told to evacuate from a flooded area, GO!

• Secure loose items in your yard such as trash cans, children's toys, and lawn ornaments. 

• Move vehicles parked in flood prone areas to higher ground. 

• Have cash on hand. If the power is out, so are the ATMs and credit card machines.

• Gas up your cars ahead of the storm. The gas pumps will not work without power or may be too damaged to open afterwards. 

• Be sure to check on friends and neighbors who have access or functional needs. 

• Be sure to have extra medications on hand and keep them in a water resistant container.

• Get all of your vital records and insurance papers together NOW. Keep them in a water resistant container. If you can, scan and email them to yourself so you have a copy of important numbers and policies, etc.

• Charge up your cell phones and try not to use them if the power goes out. Texting uses less power than a cell call, so use text messaging when possible to save power.

• Discuss business continuity plans now. Whether you are the boss or report to a boss, discuss your game plan for continued business operations. 

• NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.

•  Know where your utility shut off valves (gas, electric, water) are and how to use them.

• Know how to report a power outage to your utility company. 

Drive Safely

New Jersey State Police will be out on patrol and ready to assist. If you must be on the roads leave extra time to reach your destination and take it slow. NEVER walk, bike or drive through flooded areas. Water may be deeper than you think!  For more information regarding driving times and current incidents visit: http://www.511nj.org/ 

During a Power Outage: Safety Tips

• Only use flashlights for emergency lighting, candles can cause fires.

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. 

• Put on layers of warm clothing if it is cold outside. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors. Never use your oven as a source of heat. If the power may be out for a prolonged period, plan to go to another location (the home of a relative or friend, or a public facility) that has heat to keep warm. Call NJ 2-1-1 for additional resources.
• Turn off or disconnect appliances and other equipment in case of a momentary power “surge” that can damage computers and other devices. Consider adding surge protectors.

• Only use generators away from your home and NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage, or connect it to your home's electrical system.