N.J. Admin. Code § Executive Order No. 260 (2021)
Governor Philip D. Murphy
Executive Order No. 260 (2021)
An Order Directing the U.S. and New Jersey Flags to Fly at Half-Staff to Honor Those Who Lost Their Lives to Tropical Storm Ida
Issued: September 7, 2021.
Effective: September 7, 2021.
WHEREAS, Tropical Storm Ida reached New Jersey on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, and impacted the State with high winds, tornadoes, and heavy and sustained rainfall which resulted in severe flooding in several counties; and
WHEREAS, I declared a State of Emergency that evening, in recognition of the fact that the severe weather conditions brought on by Tropical Storm Ida posed an imminent hazard to health and safety in many parts of the State and that the resulting damage would make it difficult or impossible for residents to obtain the necessities of life, as well as essential services; and
WHEREAS, over 90,000 customers in New Jersey lost power during Tropical Storm Ida, and tens of thousands remained without power even after the storm subsided; and
WHEREAS, one especially powerful tornado destroyed several homes in Mullica Hill in Gloucester County; and
WHEREAS, the rains accompanying Tropical Storm Ida overwhelmed counties along the Delaware River and inland waterways; and
WHEREAS, estimates suggested that in some parts of New Jersey, 8 to 10 inches of rain fell in just a few hours, leading to flash flooding that overwhelmed roadways, homes, vehicles, businesses, public facilities, and other infrastructures; and
WHEREAS, in the days following the storm, New Jersey's first responders heroically rescued numerous people trapped in dangerous situations; and
WHEREAS, on September 2, 2021, I asked President Joe Biden to declare Emergency and Major Disaster Declarations for the State of New Jersey as a result of Tropical Storm Ida; and
WHEREAS, on September 2, 2021, President Biden declared an Emergency in all 21 counties of New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, on September 5, 2021, President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration in the State of New Jersey for the counties of Bergen, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Passaic, and Somerset, enabling the provision of critical federal aid and support to the many residents and businesses of New Jersey impacted by the storm; and
WHEREAS, I am hopeful that the President will approve Major Disaster Declarations in additional counties following the completion of damage assessments, which are occurring on a rolling basis; and
WHEREAS, in the week following the storm, I have visited towns impacted by the storm throughout the State, including Mullica Hill, Hillsborough, Passaic, Millburn, Cranford, Haledon, Elizabeth, Piscataway, Lodi, Paterson, Lambertville, and Manville to meet with residents and local leaders as well as to survey the damage; and
WHEREAS, my Administration has reported that 27 individuals across eight counties have died as a result of Tropical Storm Ida, while three individuals are missing in Passaic County and a fourth is missing in Essex County; and
WHEREAS, it is with immense sadness that we mourn the passing of these 27 New Jerseyans and pray that we are able to locate the four New Jerseyans who remain missing;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PHILIP D. MURPHY, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:
N.J. Admin. Code Executive Order No. 260 (2021)