New Jersey, October 20, 2025

A powerful nor’easter is poised to impact New Jersey, prompting an emergency declaration while Governor Murphy is out of the state. With expectations of heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding, state officials are emphasizing the need for residents to stay safe. Emergency preparations are underway to mitigate potential severe impacts from the storm. Local officials are urging everyone to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines as the storm approaches.

Newark, New Jersey

A powerful nor’easter is set to hit New Jersey, prompting an emergency declaration while Governor Murphy is abroad thousands of miles away. State officials prepare for heavy rain, winds, and flooding, urging residents to stay safe.

Emergency Declaration Issued Amidst Impending Nor’easter

New Jersey has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of a powerful nor’easter expected to impact the state within the next 48 hours. The storm is projected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding, prompting state officials to prepare for severe conditions and urging residents to take necessary precautions.

Governor Murphy Abroad During Emergency

Governor Murphy is currently abroad, thousands of miles away from New Jersey, as the state braces for the impending storm. Despite his absence, state officials are actively coordinating response efforts to ensure public safety during the severe weather event.

State Officials’ Preparations and Public Advisory

State officials are closely monitoring the storm’s progression and have initiated emergency response protocols. Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels, secure loose outdoor items, and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm’s peak. Local authorities are also preparing for potential flooding and power outages, urging communities to review emergency preparedness plans.

Background on the Impending Nor’easter

Nor’easters are powerful storms that can bring heavy precipitation, strong winds, and coastal flooding to the northeastern United States. The current storm system is expected to develop off the coast and intensify as it moves northward, impacting New Jersey within the next 48 hours. Meteorologists are closely tracking the storm’s path to provide timely updates and forecasts.

Impact on Construction Projects in New Jersey

The construction industry in New Jersey is projected to experience significant growth, with spending expected to rise by 17% above 2024 levels, according to a recent forecast presented at the Fall 2025 Convention of the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey (ACCNJ). The event, held at the Ocean Place Resort & Spa, garnered over 200 attendees, including construction leaders and industry stakeholders. Jeffrey Otteau, Managing Partner and Chief Economist from the Otteau Group, highlighted that aggregate construction spending is expected to exceed $16 billion in New Jersey in 2025. This positive outlook comes despite a national construction spending decline of 3%, as New Jersey’s financial landscape appears resilient. The forecast follows a recent decision by the Federal Reserve to reduce interest rates by a quarter percentage point, a move anticipated to stimulate construction activity and encourage new project initiation. As interest rates decrease, they generally lead to economic growth and increased construction activity, providing a boost to the local economy. Throughout the past few years, construction costs have surged significantly, with increases of 34% in North Jersey and 32% in South Jersey since the pandemic began. Such hikes have posed challenges for project feasibility; however, recent reports indicate that inflation rates are gradually easing, now recorded at 2.9%. Despite these challenges, the construction sector in New Jersey remains optimistic, with expectations of $140 billion in project pipelines over the next five years. This growth is expected to drive economic activity and job creation in the region, contributing to the state’s overall economic development. However, the impending nor’easter poses a potential disruption to ongoing and upcoming construction projects. The storm’s heavy rainfall and strong winds may lead to delays, safety concerns, and potential damage to construction sites. Industry leaders and state officials are closely monitoring the situation to assess the storm’s impact on the construction sector and to implement necessary measures to mitigate potential disruptions.

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Key Features of the Impending Nor’easter

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Author: NEW JERSEY STAFF WRITER

The NEW JERSEY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionnjnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Jersey and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the New Jersey Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of New Jersey and the New Jersey Builders Association, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Gibbons P.C. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.