The Latest On NJ Storm Prep: Rough Surf And Erosion Warning
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — The latest on severe weather in New Jersey. All times local:
9:50 a.m.
New Jersey's state climatologist says that at its worst, Hurricane Joaquin could hit New Jersey directly next week as a tropical storm bringing heavy rains and perhaps destructive winds with the potential for coastal flooding and beach erosion.
Even if it heads off to sea and doesn't hit the East Coast, climatologist David Robinson said it would mean rough surf and erosion on the shore. The shore is expected to be hammered by continued wind and rains even before Joaquin arrives.
David Robinson called Joaquin a "problem child" because it's hard to predict.
But he says the worst-case would mean a storm not as severe as Superstorm Sandy, which hit the shore in 2012. It was blamed for at least 182 deaths and $65 billion in damage in the U.S.
9:30 a.m.
Gov. Chris Christie will hold a news briefing on Hurricane Joaquin as the storm churns off the Bahamas.
Christie announced the briefing will take place Thursday morning in Trenton. Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno is expected to join Christie at the Statehouse.
Flood warnings and watches are in effect up and down the New Jersey coast as rain continues in the state.
Heavy rains are expected through the weekend as Hurricane Joaquin makes its way toward New Jersey. The most recent forecast says the storm could make landfall as a tropical storm in New Jersey early Tuesday morning.
The weather service warns people to be prepared for rising water levels and not to drive through flood waters.
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7:20 a.m.
Coast flood warnings and watches are in effect up and down the New Jersey coast as rain continues in the state.
The National Weather Service warned that major coastal flooding is likely Thursday through the weekend.
Major tidal flooding is most likely around high tides.
Heavy rains are expected through the weekend as Hurricane Joaquin is makes its way toward New Jersey. The most recent forecast says the storm could make landfall as a tropical storm in New Jersey early Tuesday morning.
The weather service warns people to be prepared for rising water levels and not to drive through flood waters.
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