New Details On Hurricane Hermine's Potential N.J. Impact This Labor Day Weekend

The tropical storm threat has increased in New Jersey as the region won't be spared from the wrath of Hurricane Hermine this weekend — even if the storm arrives in a diminished form.

UPDATE: Tropical Storm Hermine On Track To 'Blast' New Jersey, Forecasters Say

A tropical storm watch has been issued for several counties in New Jersey as Hurricane Hermine officially formed off Florida's Gulf Coast, the fourth hurricane of the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season and the first one expected to strike Florida in nearly 11 years.

The watch is in effect for Monmouth, Ocean, eastern Burlington, Atlantic and Cape May counties. A hazardous weather outlook is in effect for the rest of New Jersey, since Hermine could produce heavy rain and gusty winds further inland as well.

In a new briefing, the National Weather Service identified the following possible effects:

• Rip Currents: High Confidence. A moderate to high risk for the formation of dangerous rip currents will continue through at least Labor Day, and may continue into Tuesday . As is always the case, people at the beach should enter the water only if life guards are present. Most rip current deaths occur on beaches when and where no life guards are on duty. Beach erosion is also possible.
• Tidal Flooding: High Confidence. Minor tidal flooding is likely beginning with the Saturday evening high tide cycle and continuing through the Sunday night high tide cycle, possibly continuing into Monday. Moderate tidal flooding is possible with the Sunday high tide cycles. Given multiple rounds of tidal flooding, water in the back bays will have a hard time draining between tidal cycles which could lead to prolonged flooding in these locations.
• Strong Winds: Moderate confidence. There is a chance of tropical storm force winds (sustained winds of 39 mph or greater) for much of the region. The highest chance is along the Delaware Beaches and the Southern New Jersey Shore. Even with an off shore track, gusts of 30 to 35 mph are expected along the coast.
• Heavy rain: Moderate Confidence. There is expected to be a sharp cutoff in the heavy rain dependent on the track of Hermine (a track further off the coast lessens the threat for heavy rain). At this point, the highest risk of heavy rain is along the coast and coastal plains. The primary flooding hazard will be street and flash flooding. The recent dry weather will lessen but not eliminate the risk of river and stream flooding.
• Timing: The rip current risk is expected persist through at least Monday (Labor Day). Winds are expected to increase around mid-day Saturday, then continue through the holiday weekend. Rain is expected to begin on Saturday, then continue heavy at times through Sunday.

Forecasters, meanwhile, are monitoring what impact the massive storm may have on New Jersey this Labor Day weekend. In an update, the National Weather Service is now saying Thursday that New Jersey — especially the Jersey Shore — could be impacted beginning Saturday and lasting into Tuesday by Hermine.

Here is how the storm is expected to specifically impact New Jersey, according to the National Weather Service:

• Wind: Prepare for hazardous wind having possible impacts across New Jersey. Potential impacts include damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects could be blown around. Many large tree limbs may be broken off. A few trees could be snapped or uprooted. Some fences and roadway signs may be blown over.
• A few roads could be impassable from debris. Hazardous conditions are possible on bridges and other elevated roadways.
• Scattered power and communications outages are possible.
• Surge: Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible impacts across coastal locations or areas prone to tidal flooding. Localized inundation is possible with storm surge flooding mainly along immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore.
• Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots could become overspread with surge water.
• Dangerous driving conditions are possible in places where surge water covers the road.
• Moderate beach erosion is expected. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly in usually vulnerable locations.
• Strong rip currents are anticipated. Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers is possible. A few small craft may be broken away from moorings.
• Evacuations: If you are exceptionally vulnerable to wind or water hazards from tropical systems, consider voluntary evacuation, especially if being officially recommended. Relocate to a predetermined shelter or safe destination.
• Other preparedness information: Now is the time to check your emergency plan and take necessary actions to secure your home or business.

The National Hurricane Center reported that Hurricane Hermine was located about 175 miles west of Tampa at 3 p.m. Thursday. The storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and was moving north-northeast at 14 mph

It is expected to make landfall along Florida's northern Gulf Coast or in the Big Bend area sometime late Thursday or early Friday. It will be the first hurricane since 2005's deadly Hurricane Wilma made landfall in the Sunshine State.

As of Thursday afternoon, tropical storm force winds were extending outward from the storm up to 185 miles to the northeast and southeast of the center, forecasters say.

On its present track, Hurricane Hermine is expected to cut across northern Florida Friday before heading toward Georgia and South Carolina. The storm is anticipated to then move through parts of North Carolina early Saturday morning before continuing in a northeasterly direction that could bring it in contact with Virginia and Maryland late in the weekend.

Patch file photo of Hermine, NWS photo, AccuWeather