Gov. Murphy issues state of emergency for NJ ahead of storm; heavy rain, flooding expected
State of emergency declared in New Jersey effective at 5 p.m. on Tuesday
TRENTON, New Jersey (WPVI) -- Another winter storm is set to hit the East Coast on Tuesday and it is bringing concerns of widespread flooding for already flood-prone regions in the area.
UPDATE: High winds, power outages expected as storm hits Jersey shore
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency effective at 5 p.m. on Tuesday ahead of the storm.
A Flood Watch has already been issued for New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania ahead of the storm Tuesday into early Wednesday. The combination of 2"-4" of rain along with saturated ground and melting snowpack could mean particularly widespread flooding.
The combination of snow on the ground in some areas, surging warm air, heavy rain, and strong winds will lead to a rapid runoff from Tuesday to Wednesday.
"Beginning tomorrow morning and continuing through Wednesday morning, we are expecting one to four inches of heavy rain, strong winds, and potential inland and coastal flooding," said Murphy.
RELATED: How officials are preparing for flooding, strong winds across region
"This storm will exacerbate the effects of the inclement conditions we experienced in December and this past weekend and may precede another storm Friday night. As always, I urge all New Jerseyans - including residents in our coastal and riverine communities - to follow all safety protocols and remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary."
Visit ready.nj.gov for important weather updates and safety information. Residents should also monitor local forecasts, warnings, and watches.
The storm will also bring strong wind gusts, according to AccuWeather. The strongest gusts will be at the coast where a High Wind Watch has already been issued ahead of Tuesday. Winds can gust to or exceed 60 mph.
A coastal flood watch is also in place as this powerful storm moves toward the area. The heaviest period of rain will be from Tuesday evening into Tuesday night.
Atlantic City officials are urging residents to stay ready.
"We had a lot of wind and rain Saturday, but this is going to be light compared to what we're facing tomorrow," said Mayor Marty Small Sr.
Power outages are also expected. AC Electric says they aren't actively doing any preps right now, but they have enhanced staffing in place starting tomorrow and into Wednesday in anticipation of the storm.
