NEW JERSEY - New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency in preparation for Hurricane Erin. The governor declared New Jersey entered a state of emergency at 2 p.m. earlier today, August 21.

Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency Aug. 21 before high tides during Hurricane Erin could produce coastal flooding along Jersey Shore.

Hurricane Erin's track is forecast to stay offshore, but the New York City area and Jersey Shore are still seeing some impact.

As a Navy veteran, Tom Ellis had seen more-impressive waves on the open seas — but not on the ocean in the popular barrier island town of Ocean City that he and his wife Pat call home. Standing on the music pier Thursday morning listening to the percussive sounds of white caps stirred by Hurricane Erin crashing on pilings and storm drain pipes,

The State of Emergency went into effect at 2 p.m. as coastal and flash flooding, dangerous surf warnings and advisories, as well as high winds are expected for several counties across the Garden State.

Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency for New Jersey on Thursday afternoon as Hurricane Erin battered coastal communities with strong winds and waves that flooded streets and eroded beaches.

A state of emergency has been declared in New Jersey and a coastal flood warning is in effect for the Jersey Shore as Hurricane Erin causes dangerous conditions.

The storm is heading away from the Mid-Atlantic coast, but is bringing high winds, big waves and coastal flooding.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency Thursday afternoon in anticipation of Hurricane Erin, which is moving up the East Coast.

FOX Weather Meteorologist Jane Minar is in Long Beach, New York where experienced surfers are welcoming the waves created by Hurricane Erin. She spokes to Long Beach Chief Lifeguard Rich Borawaski who explained the surf rules for those hoping to ride these waves.