As the Jersey Shore prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Jose late Monday night, emergency officials across the state have been ensuring beaches and waterfront properties have the safety nets they need and dunes are built up to prevent some potentially serious flooding. Toms River is one of those towns.

Forecast update on Hurricane Jose, as of 5 a.m. Monday. (NOAA / NHC)
Forecast update on Hurricane Jose, as of 5 a.m. Monday. (NOAA / NHC)
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As of Monday morning September 18, we already know a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for us here at the shore and with it comes a high risk of rip currents and plenty of rough surf, our Townsquare New Jersey Meteorologist Dan Zarrow says.

Now is the time to bring in any outdoor furniture that could take off like a jet in the next 36-hours or so while Jose hangs around the state.

How Jose impacts the shore remains to be seen for sure, but what we know now is it doesn't look pretty.

We could see storm surge of 1-3 feet and some flooding, sustained winds 20-30 mph but wind-gusts could eclipse 50 mph in spots.

In addition we could see waves up to 6-feet high along the coast, dangerous rip currents and surge flooding of about a foot or two possible with high tide Tuesday afternoon.

Toms River Office of Emergency Management Coordinator (TR OEM) Paul Daley says they're prepared and ready for whatever happens.

"We have our high water rescue vehicles all ready to go, our fire companies have their swiss water rescue teams ready to go...this is all...always prepare for the worst and hope for the best," said Daley.

If you need sand bags to help hold things down outside, he asks you to call them at (732) 341-1000, ext. 1075 or Direct: 732-341-3267.

You can also head over to police headquarters on Oak Avenue and pick up free bags, just bring a shovel.

Daley also encourages homeowners to secure any outside belongings that can fly away and protect your cars and other outdoor materials.

"Make sure that if you're in a low lying area that's prone to flooding...you know the routine, make sure you move your vehicle and anything else that could be damaged by the flooding," said Daley.

Daley says they always prepare for the worst just in case, but of course hope for the best when it comes to storm damage along the beaches and dunes.

"You never know, you never know with mother nature," said Daley. "We're always preparing for whatever it brings us."

He adds that if we do get the 1-3 foot surge, the dunes are built up strong enough to protect what's behind it.

"What we have now is what we've had before and it's always done a pretty good job," said Daley.

He urges residents to be prepared now and stay alert during and after the storm as well.

"These storms keep changing, they change every time there's an update, so just be aware and make sure you have your family plan in place," said Daley. "Make sure that your family is ready to go at a moments notice, if they need to, if they need to evacuate."

He says they'll have a team assembled ready to go out during and after the storm where need be, including at the front.

"We always have somebody at high-tide at the beach in case we have any breakthroughs," said Daley. "If we do, we'll bring trucks of sand in to fill the gap."

Stay with us as this storm moves closer at wobm.com for updates and Dan Zarrow's latest forecast.

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