NJ NOR’EASTER AFTERMATH: DAMAGE, CLEANUP AND TRAVEL ADVISORIES

Sources checked September 29, 2026, at 4:42 a.m. Eastern. Weather alerts and road conditions can change after this check.

Cleanup and damage assessments continue after the nor’easter. Ocean City’s September 28 update reported vehicles disabled or damaged by flooding and crews removing sand and debris. For Tuesday travelers, the National Weather Service’s Ocean County coastal-flood advisory is scheduled through 2 p.m. Check current local notices before heading out. Ocean City’s cleanup update · NWS Ocean County advisory.

OCEAN CITY: DAMAGE AND CLEANUP

In its September 28 update, Ocean City, in Cape May County, reported that flooding had left vehicles disabled or damaged. Crews were removing sand and debris from streets. NJDEP had surveyed beaches, with erosion assessments still preliminary. The city also reported that its bridges and streets were open at that update. Keep clear of cleanup crews and follow current local access notices. Read Ocean City's post-storm cleanup update.

This dated Ocean City report is separate from the current Ocean County advisory below.

WHAT TO CHECK BEFORE YOU LEAVE

• Check your route on 511NJ and follow municipal police or emergency-management notices for local streets.
• Do not drive through floodwater or go around a barricade. A familiar road can be unsafe beneath the water.
• If your power is out, report it directly to your utility and check its address-specific restoration estimate.
• Stay away from downed wires and anything touching them. Call 911 for an immediate danger.

OCEAN COUNTY: LINGERING TIDAL FLOODING

The National Weather Service says the coastal-flood threat has eased in many areas as the nor’easter moves away, with lingering concern around Ocean County's back bays. Read the NWS forecast discussion.

The NWS advisory for Ocean and Coastal Ocean calls for minor coastal flooding through 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 29. It warns of water on the most vulnerable coastal, bayside and tidal roads, with some closures possible. Check the current NWS advisory before traveling.

The stated end time is the advisory's scheduled expiration, not a guarantee that every road will be dry or reopened. Follow posted closures and local instructions.

ROADS AND THE TUESDAY COMMUTE

Use 511NJ's live traffic map for state highways, the Turnpike and Parkway. Local streets may require a separate check with your town. Neptune residents can start with the township's official website and linked local alerts.

No current Neptune street-by-street closure list was independently verified for this guide. We are not naming a road as closed or reopened without a current official notice. A clear highway map also does not mean every neighborhood street is passable.

GOVERNOR SHERRILL’S DECLARATION: THE KEY DETAILS

• Order: Executive Order 25, issued by Governor Mikie Sherrill.
• Effective: Friday, September 25, 2026, at 5 p.m.
• Counties covered: Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem.
• State response: The Governor's announcement activated the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate agencies and county emergency managers, deploy resources and respond to storm emergencies.

The declaration was issued ahead of expected damaging winds, heavy rain and coastal flooding. Its geographic scope is the eight counties listed above. Official announcement and county list.

WHAT THE ORDER MEANS FOR RESIDENTS

Executive Order 25 authorizes emergency officials to coordinate recovery, control traffic and restrict access where necessary, direct evacuations from unsafe areas, and arrange shelter. It also authorizes National Guard assistance as needed. These are powers available under the order; they do not mean every road is closed or every community has been ordered to evacuate. Read Executive Order 25.

According to NJOEM, a State of Emergency does not normally restrict residents' movements by itself. Specific travel restrictions are announced separately. The declaration also does not automatically close businesses or state offices; check the relevant employer, agency and local notices. NJOEM's State of Emergency FAQ.

The order states that it lasts until the Governor determines the emergency no longer exists. A weather advisory's expiration is a separate matter. Check the Governor's official updates for subsequent action and follow current police/OEM instructions for your location.

POWER OUTAGES: CHECK YOUR UTILITY

Current outage totals change quickly. A comparable, current statewide total was not verified at this check, so this guide does not publish one. Use your provider's live map and restoration information:

Restoration estimates can change as crews assess damage. If your provider is not listed, use the utility named on your bill. Do not assume a neighbor's report covers your home.

CLEANUP: KEEP CLEAR OF WATER AND WIRES

Wait for local officials to say an affected area is safe to enter. Avoid floodwater, damaged roads and electrical hazards. Keep children and pets away from flooded areas and storm debris. Follow local notices about beach access and cleanup; this guide does not confirm a particular beach or street has reopened. NJOEM's flood-safety guidance explains precautions during and after flooding.

Save the official links if you need them for your morning trip.