A major nor’easter is about to strike New Jersey, bringing severe flooding, fierce winds, and hazardous surf – a situation demanding urgent attention. Acting Governor Tahesha Way has announced that a State of Emergency will be in effect starting at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, as the state braces for a powerful coastal storm expected to impact the region from Sunday, October 12 through Monday, October 13. This storm threatens to cause significant disruption, including moderate to severe coastal flooding, flash floods inland, relentless winds reaching up to 60 miles per hour, heavy rainfall up to five inches in some areas, and dangerously high surf that could erode beaches and breach sand dunes.
In an unprecedented move to safeguard residents, Executive Order No. 399 activates the State of Emergency for every one of New Jersey’s 21 counties. This declaration enables emergency services statewide to mobilize fully and respond swiftly as conditions warrant.
"Beginning Sunday, our state will face a serious coastal storm that will deliver extreme weather, especially affecting shore communities," Acting Governor Way explained. "Out of an abundance of caution, I have declared a State of Emergency to allow our emergency personnel to act without delay. I strongly urge everyone in New Jersey to remain vigilant: keep an eye on updated weather reports, understand evacuation routes, heed any warnings, and avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary."
This emergency status will stay in place until officials determine that the threat has passed and it is safe to lift restrictions.
Acting Governor Way also encourages residents to regularly check ready.nj.gov for the latest weather alerts and crucial safety advice.
For those living along the coastline, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with evacuation routes ahead of time. Detailed information is available on the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management’s Evacuation Routes page at https://nj.gov/njoem/plan-prepare/evacuation-routes.shtml.
If you reside in Northern New Jersey or the New York metropolitan area, stay updated via the U.S. National Weather Service New York office at https://www.weather.gov/okx/. For folks in Central and Southern New Jersey, the U.S. National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly provides localized updates at https://www.weather.gov/phi/.
To review the full details of Executive Order No. 399, please visit https://nj.gov/infobank/eo/056murphy/approved/eo_archive.shtml.
But here’s where it gets controversial: does issuing a statewide emergency for all counties—some far from the coast—make sense or simply cause unnecessary alarm and disruption? What’s your take on how such decisions balance safety with everyday impact? Share your thoughts below!
