New York and New Jersey have both declared a state of emergency as the region braces for a nor’easter bringing high winds and heavy flooding.

Earlier, New Jersey declared a state of emergency to be in effect until Oct. 13.

After initially urging residents to “stay alert,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul followed suit on Oct. 12.

The declaration, which affects Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties in New York, includes a coastal flooding advisory until 8 p.m. on Monday, and a high wind warning lasting until 6 p.m. on Monday.

Wind gusts exceeded 30 mph on Oct. 12 and were expected to pick up further as the storm hits the East Coast. The National Weather Service (NWS) has also issued a coastal flood warning and wind advisory, with winds potentially reaching 50 mph. Water is projected to reach two to three feet of inundation above ground level in areas near shorelines and waterways.

“At this level, flooding may become severe enough to cause structural damage along with widespread roadway flooding in coastal and bayside communities, and near inland tidal waterways,” the NWS stated in an Oct. 12 advisory.

“At this level, widespread roadway flooding occurs in coastal and bayside communities and along inland tidal waterways. Many roads become impassable.”

In a statement, Hochul’s office said it expected between 1 1/2 inches and three inches of rainfall downstate, with beach erosion likely.

New York City Emergency Management stated in an X post that New York City was under a flood warning and wind advisory through the afternoon of Oct. 13.

“Stay safe: secure outdoor items, avoid flooded areas, and check on neighbors,” it posted on Oct. 12.

In a statement, the New Jersey governor’s office said the state could face sustained winds of up to 60 mph and localized precipitation of up to five inches.

“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,” said New Jersey Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, serving in the capacity of acting governor in Gov. Phil Murphy’s absence.

“I urge all New Jerseyans to exercise caution, monitor local weather forecasts and warnings, stay informed on evacuation protocols, and remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary.”

In her executive order, Way said that “serious weather conditions could make it difficult or impossible for residents to obtain the necessities of life, as well as essential services such as police, fire, and first aid.”

The order authorizes multiple offices within the state government to respond to the storm. It also permits the state director of emergency management to use facilities as shelter for residents.

The storm is working its way up the coast after hitting the mid-Atlantic region with flooding. NWS meteorologist Bob Oravec said, “The greatest effects are going to be the coastal flooding potential, especially for areas from northeastern North Carolina northward to much of the New Jersey coast.”

Flight delays have been issued in airports from Washington to Boston. High winds have prompted New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority to prohibit empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks from using certain bridges on Oct. 12 and Oct. 13.

The Associated Press and T.J. Muscaro contributed to this report.