Sherrill Declared State of Emergency for Nor'easter

Governor Mikie Sherrill enacted emergency measures in eight New Jersey counties to address an incoming storm.

Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Safety

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a lighthouse silhouette against a dark, stormy seascape, evoking coastal emergency policy. — New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency across eight counties as a powerful nor'easter approaches the coast. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Is your local community doing enough to prepare for recurring extreme weather flooding?

Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency across eight counties as an incoming nor'easter threatens the state. Residents in areas like Seaside Heights are preparing for significant flooding near Barnegat Bay.

Why it matters

The emergency declaration allows state officials to deploy resources rapidly as high winds and rough seas threaten low-lying coastal regions. Proactive measures are necessary to mitigate potential property damage and ensure public safety during the storm.

Eight counties, including Ocean, Middlesex, and Monmouth, have been placed under a state of emergency due to the threat of a nor'easter. Water levels already began rising on Hiering Avenue in Seaside Heights on Friday.

The players

Mikie Sherrill

She is the Governor of New Jersey who manages state-wide responses to natural disasters and public emergencies.

Office of Emergency Management

This agency coordinates the local and state response to weather-related hazards and manages public safety protocols.

The details

Residents in Seaside Heights have begun relocating vehicles, jet skis, and outdoor furniture to higher ground in anticipation of potential flooding. First responders and the Office of Emergency Management are actively monitoring the storm system to determine if evacuations will be required.

Water began rising on Hiering Avenue in Seaside Heights on Friday, September 25, 2026.
Storm Sandy caused significant damage to the area in 2012.

Seasonal Patterns

The current emergency response follows a pattern established by past severe weather events like Storm Sandy, which caused significant damage to the Jersey Shore in 2012. These preparations reflect the state's ongoing efforts to manage recurring flooding risks in vulnerable coastal areas.

Residents in low-lying coastal areas should continue to secure outdoor items and move vehicles away from flood-prone streets like Hiering Avenue. Stay alert for official evacuation orders and monitor local emergency management updates as the storm progresses.

The takeaway

Proactive property relocation is essential for those living near Barnegat Bay as conditions can deteriorate rapidly during coastal storms. Officials recommend that residents prioritize personal safety over property if local authorities issue mandatory evacuation orders.