New Jersey is starting to feel the effects of Hurricane Irene, as the storm moves towards eastern North Carolina. As of 2 p.m., the storm is 45 miles west of Cape Hatteras and 95 miles south of Norfolk, Virginia.
The storm is moving north at 13 mph, with winds reaching 85 mph. So far, one man has died after winds blew a tree limb on top of him, according to North Carolina officials. Tropical storm conditions are now being felt in parts of Virginia, Maryland and Delaware.
The National Weather Services predicts the center of the hurricane will pass just off the coast of New Jersey late tonight and into Sunday morning with sustained maximum winds of between 45 and 65 mph, and torrential rainfall that could lead to major flooding.
Earlier today, President Obama ordered a state of emergency for the state, freeing up federal funds and resources to help the state cope with Irene and its aftermath.
Gov. Chris Christie is set to hold a press conference at 2 p.m.
On Friday, Christie, frustrated after seeing news feeds of stragglers along the shore, ordered them to pack up and go.
"Get the hell off the beach," he said. "You’re done. It’s 4:30, you’ve maximized your tan. Get off the beach. Get in your cars and get out of those areas."
Residents from Cape May County and parts of Atlantic, Ocean and Monmouth counties have been ordered to evacuate. The Garden State Parkway is closed to soundbound traffic below exit 98 but is open northbound for those who have not yet left.
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Residents and visitors in all of Cape May County, as well as low-lying towns in Atlantic, Monmouth and Ocean counties, are being required by authorities to evacuate as Hurricane Irene continues its march towards the Garden State.
In addition, other parts of New Jersey, including several towns in Monmouth, Middlesex, Essex and Hudson counties, are calling for voluntary evacuations.
Southern New Jersey is expected to start feeling the effects of the hurricane Saturday night, and the worst of the storm is expected to hit the Garden State early Sunday morning and Sunday afternoon.
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