The first evacuation orders have been issued along the Jersey Shore in advance of Sandy.
The Cape May County Emergency Management office issued the orders for Friday and Saturday for barrier islands. The evacuation orders will become mandatory on Sunday.
"The one thing I would tell people is that if you are asked to leave, you better leave. The reason being is they'll be people here, they'll be fire, police, and emergency personnel including myself--don't make us come out in the middle of the night because you didn't get out and your house is floating away," said Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr.
Voluntary evacuation orders are also being given in Mantoloking, Ocean County.
Atlantic County declared a state of emergency at 6 a.m. Saturday, in preparation for Sandy, which is expected to bring heavy rain, extensive flooding and beach erosion.
Residents are being asked to make plans to relocate with family or friends in the event that an evacuation is ordered. County officials say if that order is given, residents will have access to several shelters.
Sandy is expected to make landfall early Tuesday, but the impact could be felt as early as Sunday. Strong winds and heavy rain could cause record flooding along our coastline.
NBC10 Chief Meteorologist Glenn "Hurricane" Schwartz says Sandy could bring more hours of rain and wind than we saw with Hurricane Floyd or Irene.
