As a powerful nor’easter lashes the East Coast, leaving thousands in New Jersey without power and causing widespread flooding, Democratic Governor Phil Murphy is notably absent, vacationing in Europe with his wife.
The absence of the governor led Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way to step into the role of Acting Governor and declare a State of Emergency for all 21 counties on Saturday, ahead of the storm’s worst impacts.
“In preparation for this storm, I am issuing a State of Emergency for all 21 counties out of an abundance of caution, authorizing our state’s emergency services personnel to activate as necessary,” Way announced in a statement.
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Governor Murphy, who has faced criticism in the past for taking extravagant trips during significant state events, had not made a public announcement about his travel plans. His office, however, disclosed his European itinerary in an October 8 email to reporters, noting he departed on October 9 and is not scheduled to return until October 14.
Murphy spokesman Tyler Jones confirmed the governor’s whereabouts to the New York Post, stating, “Governor Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy are out of state this weekend to attend a close family friend’s wedding in Europe. The Governor has been in close communication with his team and emergency response officials regarding the nor’easter storm impacting the East Coast.”
Jones did not specify if the governor had plans to cut his trip short to return to the state during the ongoing emergency.
This is not the first time a major state event has coincided with Murphy’s absence. Lieutenant Governor Way, who also serves as New Jersey Secretary of State, was sworn into her current role in September 2023 following the death of her predecessor, Sheila Oliver, who was serving as acting governor at the time while Murphy was also out of the country on vacation.
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Storm Impacts Hit Shore and Central Areas
As of Monday morning, New Jersey is grappling with significant storm damage. Power outages are widespread, with JCP&L reporting more than 4,000 New Jerseyans in the northern and central areas without electricity. Atlantic City Electric reported dozens of outages in South Jersey, with even more residents having lost power on Sunday.
Coastal communities are bearing the brunt of the storm’s impact. Roads in shore towns and barrier island communities have experienced widespread flooding, and forecasters warn conditions are likely to worsen. The National Weather Service (NWS) has indicated that moderate to major coastal flooding is “very likely” along the coast and Delaware Bay throughout Monday.
Major roadways along the Jersey Shore, including Black Horse Pike and White Horse Pike, were closed on Sunday, with further closures anticipated during Monday’s high tide.
Flooding continues to impact essential routes, including the Atlantic City Expressway in Egg Harbor Township and Avenel Boulevard in Long Branch.
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