Stephanie Spear 
Even though Essex County is most definitely an inland area, we still experience hurricanes. Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, with most of New Jersey’s storm activity occurring between August and late October. From stocking up on essentials to knowing evacuation routes and staying informed through local alerts, preparation can make all the difference. Read on for more about how to prepare for hurricane season in Essex County, including the emergency contacts to save.
Hurricane Forecasts for 2025
Hurricane season lasts from June 1st to November 30th. New Jersey’s tropical storm activity typically occurs between August and late October. For 2025, forecasters have predicted a higher-than-average hurricane season. According to a May 2025 report from the National Oceanic + Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there will be 13 to 19 named storms, with 6-10 predicted to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher). According to The Washington Post, an average Atlantic hurricane season has 14 named storms, which include three major hurricanes (Category 3 and above) and seven hurricanes. In 2024, there were 18 named storms, according to NPR.
Read More: What to Do if Your Home Floods in Montclair + Beyond
A tropical storm watch means tropical storm conditions with winds between 39 and 73 mph could affect an area within 48 hours. A tropical storm warning means these conditions are expected within 36 hours. A hurricane watch is issued when hurricane conditions, with winds of 74 mph or higher, are possible within 48 hours. A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. In coastal areas, a hurricane warning can remain in effect, even after winds ease, if dangerously high water and large waves persist.
Hurricane Hazards
High winds: Hurricane-force winds have the power to devastate buildings and homes. Flying debris, like signs, roofing materials, and loose objects left outdoors, can lead to significant damage when picked up by hurricane winds. Additionally, the widespread destruction of trees, towers, water, and utility lines, and fallen poles can cause major disruptions to communities in North Jersey.
Storm surges: A storm surge is a dome of water, often 50 to 100 miles wide, that sweeps across the coastline along and to the right of where the eye of the hurricane makes landfall. According to the National Hurricane Center, a storm surge is often the greatest threat to life and property from a tropical storm or hurricane and directly accounts for about half of the deaths associated with tropical cyclones in the United States.
Flooding: A flash flood occurs within a few hours (usually less than six hours) of heavy or excessive rainfall. The National Weather Service reports that more than 50% of all flood fatalities are vehicle-related because drivers never know how deep the water is or if the road has been washed away or compromised beneath the water. The phrase “turn around, don’t drown” is a safety campaign slogan developed by the NWS to warn people about the dangers of driving or walking through floodwaters.
Tornadoes: Hurricanes can also produce tornadoes as they move onto land. These tornadoes add to a hurricane’s destructive power and can cause substantial damage.
Rip Currents: Unlike the other hazards associated with hurricanes, rip currents can be a threat days before a hurricane and cause deaths even when there is no threat of a hurricane strike in the area. A rip current is often not seen by a swimmer before being caught in its grip. They can be present on what appears to be a perfect day at the beach with bright sunny skies and no obvious hint of danger.
How to Prepare For a Hurricane
New Jersey residents are no strangers to hazardous weather. From extended power outages and flooding to evacuations, property damage, and debris, many have felt the lasting effects of severe storms in our towns. While we can’t prevent natural disasters, there are proactive steps that can be taken to stay safer and more comfortable when extreme conditions strike. The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has a downloadable guide for being prepared.
Make a Plan
Talk with family + loved ones about hurricanes and other natural hazards and create plans to stay connected in case of evacuation. Setting up a family communications plan ahead of time will make sure family members can connect as easily and quickly as possible. Be sure to consider pets and those who may need extra help, such as elderly relatives, neighbors in need of assistance, or those with disabilities. New Jersey has a registry specifically for individuals with special needs.
Build a Hurricane Kit
The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management suggests putting together a hurricane kit, which includes two weeks’ worth of emergency supplies. These kits should be stored in a convenient place known to all family members and should also be portable in case an evacuation is in order.
The basics of a hurricane kit include flashlights, batteries, first aid materials, a fire extinguisher, phones and backup chargers, prescriptions, water, canned and dried food, clothes, blankets, pillows, sheets, and toiletries. Essential papers and documents like social security cards, birth certificates, insurance policies, an inventory of household goods, hard drives, and photos should also be stored in a hurricane kit.
What to Do During an Evacuation
- If instructed to evacuate, do so immediately.
- It is important to have cash on hand. If the power is out, ATMs and credit card machines will likely not be accessible.
- Check in on friends and neighbors with functional needs.
- Have extra medications on hand and keep them in water-resistant containers.
- Collect vital records and insurance papers. Store them in a water-resistant container or scan and email copies to ensure access to important numbers and policies later on.
- Do not use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.
- Unplug appliances + shut off gas, electric, and water valves.
- Lock up your home before you leave.
Stay Informed
Start by staying informed through both traditional news sources and social media. Use credible websites to get information about natural hazards and emergency preparedness.
Weather + Hazard Alerts
- National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mt. Holly
- National Weather Service NYC (North East NJ Counties)
- National Hurricane Center
- New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
- Facebook: New Jersey Office of Emergency Management
- X: New Jersey Office of Emergency Management
- Instagram: New Jersey Office of Emergency Management
- Subscribe to the NJ State Police on Nixle Connect
- Opt in to receiving National Weather Service text alerts
Local Emergency Management Contacts for Essex County
- East Orange Office of Emergency Management (OEM): 973-677-8924
- Essex County Sheriff’s Office — Office of Emergency Management
- Millburn Office of Emergency Management: 973-564-7001
- Newark Office of Emergency Management: 973-877-9259
- South Orange Office of Emergency Management: 973-763-3000
- Radio station: WXBK 94.7 FM – Official EAS station for the South Orange area
- West Orange Office of Emergency Management (OEM): 973-325-4175
Utilities + Emergency Numbers
Electric + Natural Gas: PSE&G (Public Service Electric + Gas)
For Electric and Gas Emergencies (24/7):
- 24/7 Emergency Line: 1-800-880-7734
- Main Customer Service: 1-800-436-PSEG (7734)
Power Outage Reporting:
- Report outages: Call 1-800-436-PSEG (7734)
- Text STAT to 4PSEG (47734) for outage status updates — Customer Service – My Account – PSE&G
- Online: nj.pseg.com/outageandgasleaks
Gas Leak Emergency:
- If you smell gas, call PSE&G immediately at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734)
Water Utilities (Multiple Providers)
Newark Water + Sewer Utilities:
- Water emergencies (12AM to 8AM): Call 911
- Meter Department: 973-733-8538 (8AM to 5PM, Monday-Friday)
Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC):
- Emergency (24/7): 973-340-4300 PVWC BestNeighborhood.org
New Jersey American Water:
- Customer Service + Emergencies (24/7): 1-800-272-1325
See More: Hurricane Prep in Hoboken: A List of To-Dos
Suez Water (Northern NJ Operations):
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