Hold onto your umbrellas, New Jersey—while a ferocious nor’easter barrels toward the coast, Gov. Phil Murphy is apparently sipping espresso in Europe.
Breitbart reported that as a powerful storm loomed, Acting Gov. Tahesha Way stepped up on Saturday night to declare a state of emergency across all 21 counties, bracing for heavy rain and damaging winds expected to hit from Sunday through Monday.
This emergency order, effective at 10 p.m. Saturday, was issued with caution in mind, preparing for a nor’easter that could bring winds up to 60 mph along the coast and 40 mph inland.
Residents are strongly advised to stay off the roads, keep an eye on weather updates, and be ready for evacuation if needed. It’s a serious situation, especially for coastal areas facing a high risk of flooding.
Coastal counties, particularly those along the Shore, are expected to bear the brunt of dangerous conditions as the storm rolls in. Emergency services across the state have been green-lit to mobilize as necessary. One has to wonder if this response would feel more reassuring with the governor physically present.
While Acting Gov. Way took decisive action, Gov. Murphy was notably absent, having left for Europe on Oct. 9 with his wife for a personal trip. According to his spokesman, Tyler Jones, the governor was attending a close family friend’s wedding across the Atlantic.
Jones insisted that Murphy remains engaged, stating, “The Governor has been in close communications with his team and emergency response officials regarding the nor’easter storm impacting the East Coast.”
That’s a nice sentiment, but governing via transatlantic phone calls during a state crisis raises eyebrows. Shouldn’t a leader be on the ground when the winds start howling?
Interestingly, Murphy’s office did notify reporters of his travel plans in an email sent a few days prior, indicating a return on Oct. 14. Yet, there was no public statement tying his absence to the impending weather crisis. For a state facing potential disaster, a little transparency could go a long way.
Acting Gov. Way, meanwhile, urged caution in her statement: “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.”
That’s the kind of proactive leadership New Jersey needs right now. But it also begs the question—why isn’t the elected governor here to deliver that message himself?
Way continued, “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.” Her words are a sobering reminder of the storm’s potential impact.
The nor’easter’s threat isn’t just wind—flooding risks are especially high for southern New Jersey, alongside Delaware and Virginia’s Tidewater region. Homes and businesses near the coast could face significant challenges if predictions hold true.
While emergency crews stand ready to respond, the absence of a public-facing governor during this critical time feels like a missed opportunity for steadying the public’s nerves.
Leadership isn’t just about phone calls; it’s about presence. Murphy’s team might argue he’s still in the loop, but optics matter when the state is on edge.
Let’s be fair—attending a wedding is a personal matter, and family comes first for many. But when you’re the governor of a state staring down a natural disaster, timing is everything. A quick public acknowledgment of the storm before jetting off could have softened the perception of being out of touch.
New Jerseyans deserve to know their leaders are fully focused during a crisis, not distracted by overseas commitments, however heartfelt. The storm’s impact, especially on coastal communities, could be severe, and every decision counts.
Acting Gov. Way seems to be holding down the fort, and for that, she deserves credit in a tough spot. Still, there’s an undeniable void when the state’s top official isn’t visibly steering the ship.
