Gov. Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency as Hurricane Erin, while staying hundreds of miles off the Jersey Shore, brings rough surf, windy conditions and the potential for widespread coastal flooding to the region.

Gov. Phil Murphy has declared a State of Emergency in response to potential coastal and flash flooding triggered by Hurricane Erin. The State of Emergency went into effect at 2 p.m. Thursday. High surf and rip currents are also expected.

The State of Emergency went into effect at 2 p.m. as coastal and flash flooding, dangerous surf warnings and advisories, as well as high winds are expected for several counties across the Garden State.

With the off-shore Hurricane Erin churning up the ocean and bringing strong winds and big waves to New Jersey today, forecasters have issued weather alerts across the state. Earlier this week, more than a dozen Jersey Shore beaches issued swimming bans as forecasters warned of life-threatening conditions for boaters and swimmers.

Hurricane Erin's track is forecast to stay offshore, but the New York City area and Jersey Shore are still seeing some impact.

Standing on the music pier Thursday morning listening to the percussive sounds of white caps stirred by Hurricane Erin crashing on pilings and storm drain pipes, they watched in wonder and hoped that any flooding would kindly avoid the house on 27th Street they bought 30 years ago.

The order went into effect at 2 p.m. today as officials anticipate flooding, dangerous surf and high winds across the state.

Hurricane Erin passed offshore of the New York and New Jersey region early Thursday, sparing the area from a direct hit but unleashing powerful

Ocean City and Atlantic City are allowing people to park in lots and garages for free as the beach towns brace for the Category 2 storm.

Hurricane Erin is hundreds of miles away from the tri-state area, but the monster storm is directly impacting the region with life-threatening rip currents, huge waves and strong winds. Beaches across New York and New Jersey are closed to swimming through at least Thursday,