New Jersey Declares State of Emergency in Anticipation of Severe January Storm
New Jersey storm

Governor Phil Murphy announced a state of emergency in New Jersey on Monday as the state prepares for an impending storm set to bring heavy rain, powerful winds up to 60 mph, and the potential for widespread power outages. The emergency declaration will take effect at 5 p.m. on Tuesday and cover the entire state.
Governor's Warning: Take the Storm Seriously
Governor Murphy emphasized the seriousness of the upcoming storm during a briefing at the Statehouse in Trenton. He urged residents not to underestimate the impact of the storm simply because it involves rain rather than snow. The governor warned that the state could face "tens of thousands" of power outages, and Colonel Patrick Callahan, head of the State Police, anticipated significant traffic detours due to flooding and fallen trees.
"This is a storm I would strongly, strongly, strongly encourage folks not to underestimate," Governor Murphy emphasized, drawing attention to the potential dangers posed by heavy rain, high winds, and flooding.
Power Outages and Traffic Concerns
Governor Murphy expressed concerns about the possibility of widespread power outages across the state. Colonel Callahan added that traffic detours were likely due to expected flooding and the risk of trees blocking roads. Past experiences with similar storms have shown that heavy rain, high winds, and flooding can not only cause extensive damage but also pose risks to lives.
National Weather Service Alerts
The National Weather Service issued a statewide flood watch, warning of flash flooding on highways and widespread flooding along rivers and streams. Additional alerts were issued for high winds and coastal flooding. While states of emergency don't prohibit people from being on the roads, they enable the state to organize its emergency response and seek federal disaster aid if needed.
Preparation and Caution Advised
Governor Murphy stressed that there were currently no restrictions on commercial vehicles using major highways in the state. The impact on NJ Transit's rail and bus schedules remained uncertain. The governor's concern heightened due to the expected intensity of the storm occurring "right smack in the middle of the night," potentially leading to darkness, power outages, and potential water rescues.
Stay Home, Stay Safe
As a precautionary measure, Governor Murphy advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. He emphasized the importance of staying home during the storm's peak hours and urged those who had to be out to exercise extreme caution.
"If you don't have to be out between tomorrow (Tuesday) early evening and Wednesday morning, it's safer to remain home," Governor Murphy stated. "If you are out, please, please be careful."
Conclusion
New Jersey residents are bracing for a powerful storm, prompting Governor Phil Murphy to declare a state of emergency. With the possibility of heavy rain, high winds, and flooding, the governor and state officials are urging residents to take the storm seriously, emphasizing the potential for widespread power outages and traffic disruptions. The National Weather Service has issued alerts, and while no road restrictions are currently in place, the state is mobilizing its emergency response to ensure the safety of its residents. In these challenging conditions, the governor's message is clear: stay home if possible, and exercise extreme caution if you must be out during the storm.Murphy noted past storms have shown “a lot of rain and high winds, and flooding can cause not just a lot of damage but put lives at risk.”
The National Weather Service has issued a statewide flood watch — alerting the public about the strong possibility of flash flooding on highways, plus widespread flooding along rivers and streams — as well as alerts for high winds and coastal flooding.N.J. declares state of emergency ahead of dangerous January storm..Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday declared a state of emergency in New Jersey ahead of a fierce storm that’s expected to blast the state with flooding rains, wind gusts as strong as 60 mph, and the potential for widespread power outages.



Comments (1)
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