Phil Murphy

Aug. 21 (UPI) — Hurricane Erin’s effects have triggered state-of-emergency declarations in New Jersey and North Carolina as the storm system moves along the East Coast.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency Thursday afternoon, while North Caroline Governor Josh Stein declared one on Tuesday that remains in effect.

“Over the past couple of days, we have seen the effects of Hurricane Erin along the Jersey Shore in the form of dangerous rip tides,” Murphy said in a news release.

“As the storm moves past New Jersey over the next 23 hours, we are expecting high surf and rip currents, coastal and flash flooding, and a high erosion risk in parts of the state,” Murphy added.

North Carolina officials expect similar conditions to continue there after Hurricane Erin already has impacted Hatteras Island.

“Dangerous conditions, including rip currents and coastal flooding, are expected through the weekend,” Stein said in an online announcement on Thursday.

“With flooding peaking tonight, please avoid driving on roads with standing water,” he added.

An evacuation order was issued on Tuesday for residents and others along the Outer Banks.

Stein said state officials are monitoring the situation, and an emergency response team is working to keep roads clear and people safe.

Among emergency preparations, the North Carolina National Guard is on standby, and the state’s emergency response team has search-and-rescue teams ready to deploy if needed.

State Highway 12 on Hatteras Island is closed due to extensive ocean overwash and dune breaches in multiple locations, according to Dare County, N.C., officials.

The northern ends of Hatteras Village and Buxton, and along Pea Island, are especially impacted by the hurricane.

North Carolina Department of Transportation crews are working to clear sand and water from the state highway and repairing damaged dunes.

The highway will stay closed until NCDOT officials say it’s safe to travel on the roadway.

The Category 2 Hurricane Erin had maximum sustained winds of 100 mph while positioned 370 miles east-northeast of Cape Hatteras, N.C., late Thursday afternoon, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Erin is moving northeasterly at 20 mph and away from the East Coast, but its effects include storm surges of between 2 feet and 4 feet and related flooding along coastal areas from North Carolina to Sandy Hook, N.J.

The storm system also is creating dangerous rip tides alongmuch of the East Coast, which makes swimming very dangerous.

July 17 (UPI) — One person is dead and 13 others are injured following a lightning strike Wednesday night at an outdoor New Jersey archery range, according to authorities and officials.

Jackson Police Chief Matthew Kuz told NJ.com that a 61-year-old man died from his injuries while 13 others were receiving treatment. The injuries included burns, he said, adding that one person had momentarily lost consciousness.

Police said they received a call about multiple people struck by lightning shortly before 7 p.m. The incident occurred at the Black Knight Bowbenders archery range in Jackson Township, according to reports.

All victims were transported to nearby hospitals, with one person, who sustained more serious injuries, taken to the Livingston Burn Center.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said he has been briefed on the incident.

“At this time, we have at least one fatality and multiple injuries,” he said on social media. “All injured have been transported by first responders. Please pray for everyone involved in this tragic incident.”

It is at least the 12th lightning strike fatality in the United States this year, according to statistics from the National Weather Service.

Two teens ages 18 and 19 were killed by a lightning strike while fishing in Waresboro, Ga., on July 10. And a 28-year-old golfer in Hardyston, N.J., died from a lightning strike on July 8.

July 14 (UPI) — A New Jersey state of emergency went into effect Monday night as heavy rains drenched the Eastern United States, causing flash flooding, including in New York City.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement the state of emergency went into effect at 8 p.m. EDT “due to flash flooding and severe thunderstorms across the state.”

“I urge New Jerseyans to exercise caution, follow all safety protocols and remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary.”

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop for Newark Liberty International Airport due to the weather.

Mayor Jonathan Busch of Metuchen, located in Middlesex County, said on social media that the borough was “experiencing significant flooding.” Local police had closed multiple roads and were transporting stranded motorists to the local high school, he said.

In New Providence, local officials were warning residents to stay home, even though the rain had stopped.

“Historic rainfall, please stay in and off the roads,” Mayor Al Morgan said on Facebook.

In New York, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority was reporting on X that multiple subway lines were suspended due to flooding. Videos circulating online showed water flowing like a river through subway stations and into occupied cars.

New York City Emergency Management said flash flood warnings were in effect for all five boroughs. It said New York City was being lashed with heavy rains and up to 2 or more inches of rain may fall “quickly.”

“Flooding can be deadly and often strikes with little or no warning,” it said.

“If you live in a basement apartment or low-lying area, be ready to move to high ground. Keep your Go Bag near the door and clear exit paths.”