Nor’easter Hitting New Jersey: What to Know + How to Prep

A nor’easter is expected to hit the Atlantic Ocean coast around the middle of this week, according to official weather forecasts. It is projected to make direct contact with New Jersey, and a variety of advisories have been issued, from beach erosion to flood warnings. Keep reading for more information about this nor’easter and how to prepare for its impact in Hudson County and greater New Jersey.

About Nor’easters

A nor’easter is an extratropical cyclone that develops in the Atlantic Ocean. Its name derives from its exclusive landfall range along the northern Atlantic coast, including New Jersey. Nor’easters are often strong and destructive, with the following potential effects:

Heavy rain or snow: Nor’easters are formed from the mixing of cold Canadian winds and the warm ocean current that travels upwards from the Gulf Stream. This creates a low-pressure system that results in rain, and in extremely low temperatures, snow.
Temperature dropping: Because nor’easters form in the north Atlantic Ocean, they carry the cold winds of areas northeast of them.
High winds: Strong nor’easters bring wind speeds comparable to a hurricane’s, typically ranging between 31 to 55 mph.
Waves and coastal erosion: The strength of nor’easter winds causes erratic wave formations in the ocean, which hit the beach with higher-than-usual force. This often leads to coastal erosion, where the impact of waves and winds breaks down the coast’s materials.

None of these effects is guaranteed, as nor’easter system strength varies, but they should all be considered during preparation. Official weather reports can be found here.

What to Expect This Week

The nor’easter hitting New Jersey is expected to arrive on Wednesday, October 29th, and linger until the end of the weekend. Weather forecasts expect up to two inches of rain across the state, with the highest intensity coming on Thursday evening. Flooding is possible because of the rain, including coastal flooding along the Jersey Shore. Wind gusts are also projected to reach between 40 to 50 mph.

Urban areas or those with weak drainage systems will be impacted the most by rainfall, and Jersey Shore residents are highly advised to take precautions during the high tide cycle on Thursday night. Temperatures are not expected to drop drastically, with an expected range of high 30s to high 50s, but preparing measures to remain warm is still vital.

How to Prepare

It is important to create a communication plan before major storms, ensuring that family members and loved ones know what to do in case of extreme weather. This includes stocking essential supplies, replacing batteries and stored water, and proactively following news to maximize preparation. Although nor’easters and hurricanes are not identical, they do carry similar threats. The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has a downloadable guide for preparation procedures based on hurricane evacuation. It can be accessed here.

Those planning or attending events from Tuesday to Friday should determine rain dates in case of cancellation. Public transportation commuters should also keep a close eye on transit announcements in case of delays, shutdowns, or advisories. Residents in dense areas or along the Jersey Shore should also be attentive to county announcements, as they may be disproportionately affected by the storm.

See More: Indoor Activities for Kids at the Jersey Shore

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