During a briefing Thursday morning, Governor Chris Christie declared a state of emergency for the state of New Jersey in preparation of Hurricane Joaquin.

Christie says it is not known if Joaquin will directly hit New Jersey, but is urging residents to start prepping now regardless.

“We are prepared and we need you to prepare and not panic,” the governor said.

Christie said Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem counties need to start preparing for the possibility of a major storm.

“I understand hearing the possibility that something severe may happen can cause some stress, but two things to know about that, there’s nothing we can do to control it.
Worrying and stressing about it will not change the path of the storm. Secondly, the state is prepared to deal with whatever we need to deal with depending on the path of the storm.”

Christie said he will be in Boston later, but will return tonight and remain in New Jersey through at least Tuesday.

He added he will issue evacuations if necessary, but it is too soon to tell.

(AP)