A State of Emergency has been declared in New Jersey starting Saturday night, as a ‘hurricane-like’ storm is expected to batter the coast.

The order takes effect at 10pm ET and includes all 21 counties, home to more than nine million Americans. 

Meteorologists have issued warnings about a potentially dangerous nor’easter that is expected to bring winds reaching up to 50 mph inland and 60 mph along the coastline, coupled with heavy rainfall.

Governor Tahesha Way stated on Friday, “Beginning on Sunday, a severe coastal storm will make its way past our state, bringing extreme weather to several counties, particularly those along the Shore.”

The National Weather Service (NWS) alerted that the possibility of widespread roadway flooding, inaccessible roads, structural inundation, and evacuations exists through Monday.

According to AccuWeather, the storm is currently rated a 1, meaning it could produce hurricane-like conditions along parts of the coast. 

Should the storm’s intensity escalate, it would be named Lorenzo, which is the next name on the 2025 Atlantic hurricane list.

AccuWeather’s lead hurricane expert, Alex DaSilva, noted, “There is a significant likelihood that this storm will be classified as a subtropical (hybrid) storm. For this reason, we have classified the system as a tropical wind and rainstorm and have provided an eye path map to enhance early awareness before any potential classification by the National Hurricane Center (NHC).”

This is a developing story… More updates to come 

Over the next few days, the storm could escalate into a tropical storm. It is currently located around the Southeast but is projected to arrive in New Jersey by Saturday evening.

According to AccuWeather’s forecast, coastal areas from South Carolina to New Jersey are at a “high risk to lives and property” from tonight through Monday evening.

The Garden State should expect 1 to 3 inches of rain over 36 to 48 hours, starting tomorrow night.

Officials warned residents living in Jersey Shore counties to prepare for power outages and property damage.

The NWS said that beaches could experience severe erosion and dune damage due to exceptionally high surf. 

Coastal communities may face compounded flooding risks as heavy rainfall coincides with moderate to major tidal surges. 

Flood watches are in place for all Atlantic coastal and Delaware Bay communities in New Jersey, including Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem counties.

The most intense rain is forecast from Sunday afternoon through Monday, with showers possibly continuing into early Tuesday.

Further inland, winds and rainfall are expected to be less severe, though gusts of 30 to 50mph could affect areas along the I-95 corridor. 

By Tuesday, the storm is anticipated to weaken and move offshore, gradually improving conditions. 

High pressure is then expected to build over the region by midweek, bringing cooler temperatures and more stable weather.

While New Jersey has issued a State of Emergency, the storm is expected to bring heavy rain, pounding waves and major flooding due to a nor’easter developing off the East Coast. from Georgia to Massachusetts 

One of the last State of Emergency orders issued in New Jersey was in July when a damaging storm moved in (pictured taken in Plainfield), killing at least two people