By: Richard L. Smith
New Jersey officials are urging residents to prepare for a coastal nor’easter expected to sweep through the state late Saturday into Monday, bringing periods of steady rainfall and gusty winds. 
Honorable Acting Governor Tahesha Way declared a State of Emergency Friday evening to allow resources to be mobilized quickly if conditions worsen.
According to the National Weather Service, the storm is projected to deliver between one and two inches of rain across the region.
While the totals are not extreme, forecasters warn that the steady rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and neighborhoods that typically see problems during heavy downpours.
In Newark, parts of the Ironbound section is particularly vulnerable, along with other flood-prone zones across Essex, Hudson, and Union counties.
Meteorologists stress that this system is not a hurricane, but residents should still take it seriously.
The nor’easter could cause downed trees, scattered power outages, and minor property damage as winds pick up through Sunday.
Officials emphasize, however, that the storm is not expected to bring catastrophic destruction.
Saturday’s forecast from the National Weather Service called for mostly cloudy skies with a chance of rain after 2 p.m., and temperatures near 66 degrees.
Tonight, rain chances increase to 50 percent, mainly between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., with northeast winds at 9 to 14 mph.
As of Saturday morning 4:30 a.m., downtown Newark temperatures hovered at a cool 57 degrees as residents will wake and prepare for the weekend storm.
Emergency crews across the state are on alert, and officials urge residents to secure outdoor items, avoid driving through flooded roadways, and have flashlights and essentials ready should power outages occur.
For many in New Jersey, this weekend’s weather is a reminder of how quickly nor’easters can disrupt normal routines. While this storm may not be a record-breaker, being prepared remains the safest
way forward.