New jersey declares state of emergency ahead of dangerous storms and flooding

New Jersey declares state of emergency ahead of dangerous storms and flooding

TRENTON, N.J. — A state of emergency has been declared across New Jersey as forecasters warn of severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall that could dump up to 7 inches of rain across the state Thursday afternoon and evening.

Governor Phil Murphy ordered the emergency to take effect at 2 p.m., covering all 21 counties. The order prompted early closure of state offices ahead of the storm’s expected impact.

A flash flood watch is in effect statewide through Friday morning, with the most intense rainfall projected between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. Thursday. Officials are warning of the potential for widespread flooding, hazardous travel conditions, and possible power outages.

“Please be safe,” the Governor’s office stated in an alert issued Thursday morning.

The system moving through the region is expected to bring repeated rounds of downpours and thunderstorms, raising concerns for flash flooding in both urban and low-lying areas. Emergency services have been placed on alert as transportation agencies prepare for road closures and delays.

Shore News Network Staff Report

Shore News Network Staff Report is the official newsroom byline used by Shore News Network when a story is produced through the collaborative work of multiple members of the editorial team rather than a single reporter.

This newsroom account is reserved for articles that involve contributions from multiple journalists, editors, photographers, researchers, or news desk staff. It is also used for developing stories that are updated as new verified information becomes available, as well as for community announcements, weather coverage, public safety alerts, election results, and other newsroom-produced content.

Every article published under the Shore News Network Staff Report byline is reviewed and edited in accordance with the organization's editorial standards for accuracy, fairness, attribution, and transparency. Information is verified through official government agencies, court records, law enforcement, public documents, direct reporting, interviews, and other reliable primary and secondary sources before publication whenever possible.

The Staff Report account does not use artificial intelligence to independently generate news or publish unverified information. AI-assisted tools may occasionally be used for editorial support tasks such as transcription, formatting, grammar review, or workflow efficiency, but all published content is subject to human editorial oversight and approval by Shore News Network's newsroom staff.

As an independently owned digital news organization, Shore News Network is committed to original reporting, public safety journalism, government accountability, local community coverage, and breaking news throughout New Jersey and surrounding regions. Stories published under the Staff Report byline reflect the collective experience and editorial judgment of the Shore News Network newsroom.

Readers who have corrections, additional information, or news tips related to a Staff Report article are encouraged to contact the newsroom at news@shorenewsnetwork.com. Shore News Network welcomes factual corrections and updates as part of its commitment to accurate, transparent journalism.