Cape May County has declared a state of emergency as a measure to prepare for the impacts of Hurricane Earl.
On Wednesday afternoon, municipalities met with the county's emergency management to discuss the needs of each of the municipalities in the event of higher tides, flooding, and heavy rain.
"(The state of emergency) gives municipalities the ability to make decisions on whether beaches need to be cleared and whether evacuation plans are needed," said Lenora Boninfante, a spokeswoman for Cape May County.
Boninfante said that two buses, one in Middle Township and one in Lower Township, have been made available to transport people affected by the storm if necessary. She also said the county is prepared to open two temporary shelters if needed.
"These are all in preparation so that we make sure we have everything we need," Boninfante said.
