TRENTON, N.J. (CBS/AP) – About half of the Garden State Parkway is closed to traffic because of Hurricane Irene.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie told people the earlier they leave, the better off they will be.

Gov. Christie said as of 8 p.m., the parkway’s southbound lanes is closed to traffic at Exit 98 in Wall Township. Traffic has been routed to Interstate 195 west. Christie said there’s no reason to allow motorists to travel beyond that point.

Routes 47 and 347 in Cape May is also closed to eastbound traffic. All routes have been directed westward since 6 p.m. Friday.

Traffic eastbound into Atlantic City has been stopped as well. All gaming in Atlantic City suspended as of noon Saturday.

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