New Jersey Acting Governor Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Severe Storms

TRENTON, N.J.  — Acting Governor Tahesha Way has issued Executive Order No. 394, declaring a statewide state of emergency across all 21 counties in New Jersey effective 2 p.m. Thursday, July 31. This action comes in response to forecasts predicting severe weather including intense rainfall, flash flooding, and damaging wind gusts expected to impact the state throughout the afternoon and evening.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the entire state, warning of significant precipitation ranging from 1 to 3 inches statewide, with certain localized areas possibly receiving between 5 and 7 inches. These hazardous weather conditions are expected to disrupt normal traffic flow, cause power outages, and may result in landslides, rock slides, and flooded roadways. The Executive Order authorizes the State Director of Emergency Management — the Superintendent of State Police — to implement the State Emergency Operations Plan and coordinate emergency efforts among state, county, and municipal agencies, as well as volunteer and private sector partners. The Superintendent is empowered to control and reroute traffic on state highways and local roads as necessary for public safety, including the removal of abandoned vehicles from critical routes. Law enforcement agencies across the state have the authority to enforce traffic control orders, and the Director of Emergency Management may order evacuations in areas deemed too dangerous for residents to remain. The Order further authorizes the use of state facilities to shelter persons evacuated during the emergency. It allows state agencies to waive or modify certain administrative rules that might inhibit swift emergency response, subject to approval. Additionally, the New Jersey National Guard may be activated to assist localities in protecting lives and property, with full access to state resources and personnel as needed. The Order prohibits any county, municipality, or agency from enacting measures that conflict with or hinder its provisions.
Governor Way highlighted the severity of the threat in her proclamation, citing the imminent hazard to public health and safety posed by the approaching storms. The Order remains in effect until the Governor determines the emergency has passed. Residents are urged to stay tuned to official channels for updates, avoid unnecessary travel during the storm, and take precautions to safeguard themselves and their property.