India, Aug. 22 -- Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency in New Jersey, effective at 2 PM local time on Thursday, as the state prepares for Hurricane Erin. This comes after the hurricane battered North Carolina's Outer Banks with strong winds and waves that flooded part of the main highway and damaged a waterside motel. Forecasters said that the storms are expected to continue on Thursday before weakening over the next few days.

New Jersey issued coastal and flash flood warnings for several counties. "Coastal and flash flooding, dangerous surf warnings and advisories, and high winds are expected for several counties across New Jersey," Gov Murphy said in a press release.

Officials further warned residents about sustained win...