COURT HOUSE – Office of Emergency Management (OEM) officials are closely monitoring Tropical Storm Hermine as it approaches Cape May County. A conference call was held Sept. 3 to brief municipal OEM coordinators and elected officials on what to expect over the weekend for New Jersey coastal counties, including all areas along the Delaware Bay. Widespread tidal flooding, heavy rain and strong winds are expected. Beaches along the coast can expect rip currents and beach erosion. Heavy winds could result in power outages.
OEM Director, Martin Pagliughi, reported Sunday night and Monday morning high tides are expected to be the most problematic, especially in the back bays, due to the prolonged onshore flow associated with Tropical Storm Hermine as it stalls off the New Jersey coast. Extensive street flooding is expected during high tide cycles on Saturday night, Sunday and Monday. Motorists are warned not to drive through flood waters and move vehicles to higher ground in advance of the high tides.
There are no mandatory evacuation orders in place, residents who live in flood prone areas should make advance preparations to ensure their safety as well as the safety of their family, pets and property. People who do not need to be on the barrier islands should leave until the storm passes. Governor Christie declared a state of emergency for Atlantic, Cape May and Ocean counties, there are no travel restrictions at this time.
Weather briefings will be posted to the Cape May County OEM website as they are received from the National Weather Service, www.capemaycountyemergency.net.
Pagliughi encourages everyone to take this storm seriously and monitor reliable weather service resources to get the most up to date information on this storm. The next NWS Briefing on Tropical Storm Hermine is expected at 5 p.m.
