For Monmouth and Ocean Counties:
Due to the Governor’s declaration of a state of emergency (see below), I will issue a dispensation from Sunday Mass obligation for Monmouth and Ocean Counties this weekend. If further cancellations are necessary, pastors can make and announce those decisions.
The Pastoral Council Convocation will be virtual rather than in-person.
Thank you.
Bishop O’Connell
Governor Sherrill Declares State of Emergency Across Eight Counties in Preparation for Nor’easter
Posted on 09/25/2026
TRENTON – Governor Mikie Sherrill today will declare a State of Emergency across eight counties expected to face the most severe impacts from the nor’easter, effective at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026. The storm is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain, significant coastal flooding, and hazardous conditions along the coast and potentially into inland areas, with the most severe impacts expected to begin tonight and continue through Sunday.
Executive Order No. 25 declares a State of Emergency for the counties of Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Salem. The declaration activates the State Emergency Operations Center, ensuring close coordination between the state agencies and counties, including the New Jersey State Police, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Transportation, and county Offices of Emergency Management, to share real-time information, deploy resources, and respond to storm-related emergencies.
“Starting tonight, this nor’easter is expected to bring damaging winds, heavy rain, significant coastal flooding, and resulting beach erosion, with these eight counties facing the greatest risk. We are focusing state resources where the storm is expected to hit hardest, while closely monitoring conditions across New Jersey and standing ready to respond wherever needed should other counties reach out,” said Governor Sherrill. “I urge all New Jerseyans to take this storm seriously, stay safe, and be prepared. Please charge your phones, secure loose items outside, stock up on food and water, and stay off the roads if possible. If you need to travel, please plan ahead and stay up to date on alerts, as conditions can change quickly, and never drive through flooded roads.”
Please visit ready.nj.gov for important weather updates and safety information and to continue monitoring local forecasts, warnings, and watches.
Watch Governor Sherrill’s message to New Jerseyans on social media here.
For a copy of Executive Order No. 25, please click here.