New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has declared a State of Emergency effective at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday in preparation for Hurricane Erin.

Coastal and flash flooding, dangerous surf warnings and advisories, and high winds are expected for several counties across New Jersey, including off the coast of Ocean County.

Parts of the state will experience sustained winds of up to 50 mph, large breaking waves along the Shore as high as 17 feet, and the inundation of one to three feet of water in flood-prone areas. The State of Emergency is effective across all 21 counties.

A Tropical Storm Warning, Coastal Flood Warning and Wind Advisory are currently in effect for Ocean County.

“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. Today and tomorrow will be no exception,” Murphy said in a statement.

“As the storm moves past New Jersey over the next 24 hours, we are expecting high surf and rip currents, coastal and flash flooding, and a high erosion risk in parts of the state. We ask all New Jerseyans to monitor local weather forecasts and warnings and stay informed on evacuation protocols, especially if you’re down the Shore.”

The declaration empowers the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) to act on behalf of the Governor to employ the resources and assets of State, local and private agencies to provide immediate assistance to localities if and when necessary.

Although Erin will remain hundreds of miles off shore, its outer bands will be strong enough to bring dangerous rip currents and flooding.