Gov. Chris Christie cautioned the coastal towns to be prepared for flooding even though Hurricane Joaquin isn't projected to make landfall in New Jersey. Watch video
SEA ISLE CITY -- Be prepared.
That was the warning Gov. Chris Christie gave Friday morning as he met with state, county and local officials in Cape May County, one of four counties expected to be affected the rain and coastal flooding caused by the nor'easter that's moving across the street.
While Hurricane Joaquin isn't forecasted to be nearly as much of a threat as it was a few days ago, when weather models projected a possible direct hit to New Jersey, the governor cautioned that the counties and towns along the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware River and Delaware Bay should be ready to deal with flooding.
"Everybody who lives along the coastline should have a plan," Christie said during a press conference in Sea Isle City. He added that the southern counties -- Cape May, Atlantic, Salem and Cumberland -- are most at risk with this storm.
As of now, no evacuations have been recommended, but an ongoing discussion will continue through the tide cycles, according to the governor.
"The nor'easter that we are experiencing right now that will continue into tomorrow is diminishing a bit. We're not getting the amount of rain we thought but we are going to have moderate to major flooding," Christie said.
MORE: Christie orders state of emergency in N.J. as Hurricane Joaquin approaches
Joaquin is expecting to cause high waves and beach erosion along the East Coast.
"We are prepared -- we started 48 hours ago to prepare for Joaquin," Christie added.
Communication between roughly 350 elected officials statewide will also continue.
"Our first, and biggest job, is to protect the lives of the people in the state of New Jersey," Christie said.
Joaquin is continuing to track east and officials are anticipating between 1 to 3 feet of flooding in the Atlantic-Cape May region.
Christie also spoke about potential hazards from the current nor'easter and Joaquin, such as flooding, power outages, and shelter if needed.
High tide is coming up from 12:30 to 3 p.m. and officials expect to see between 6 and 10 foot waves, some may be as high as 16 feet, which could lead to more beach erosion.
"It looks like we dodged a bullet this time, but lets keep our fingers crossed," the governor said.
Currently, there was about 140 power outages in Cape May County reported.
"Be ready and prepared to respond to flooding and any loss of power -- go some pace to be safe and warm," the governor advised.
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio also spoke briefly on the strong leadership in New Jersey.
Brittany Wehner may be reached at bwehner@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @brittanymwehner. Find her on Facebook.