Dorian expected to bring dangerous winds, high seas to Jersey Shore

Hurricane Dorian is expected to buffet the New Jersey Shore with high seas and dangerous winds Friday as it makes its way north over the Atlantic Ocean, but will have little impact farther inland, the National Weather Service said.

The Category 2 hurricane was lashing the coast of the Carolinas on Thursday, moving at 8 mph, with its center expected to pass near or over the coast before shifting to a northeasterly direction and out to sea.

The weather service said the outer rain bands from Dorian were expected to reach northeastern Maryland, Delaware, and South Jersey on Thursday evening. The clouds that covered the Philadelphia region Thursday were from Dorian’s outer bands.

On Friday, the hurricane will pass New Jersey about 200 miles offshore, stirring up the seas and generating gusts in the 30 to 50 mph range, the weather service said. There’s a chance of showers throughout the region, particularly near the coast.

High-wind watches will probably be needed during the day along the coast, and there’s a possibility of some coastal flooding.

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A small craft advisory was set through 11 a.m. Saturday along the coast, while a tropical storm watch was posted for points farther out at sea. There is a high risk of rip currents at beaches along the Shore.

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Meanwhile, the Philadelphia area is in for a taste of cooler weather, with a daytime high temperature of 72 degrees forecast for Friday.