Governor Mikie Sherrill has announced a State of Emergency for eight New Jersey counties, including Ocean County, as a nor’easter is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain, coastal flooding and hazardous conditions beginning tonight and continuing through Sunday.

The State of Emergency takes effect at 5:00 p.m. Friday and covers Ocean, Monmouth, Middlesex, Burlington, Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem counties. The declaration activates the State Emergency Operations Center and allows state agencies and county emergency management officials to coordinate resources and respond to storm-related emergencies.

The declaration comes as Sukkos begins tonight and follows warnings issued earlier by Lakewood Township officials urging residents to properly secure Sukkahs, trash cans and other loose outdoor items ahead of the expected high winds and rain.

Governor Sherrill urged residents to charge their phones, secure outdoor objects, have food and water available and avoid unnecessary travel during dangerous conditions. Motorists are also being warned never to attempt to drive through flooded roadways.

The most severe conditions are expected to begin tonight and continue through Sunday, with damaging winds, heavy rain, significant coastal flooding and beach erosion among the primary concerns.