The U.S. Coast Guard is warning beach goers in New Jersey about tar balls washing onto the Jersey Shore, saying they may be connected to an oil spill near the Goethals Bridge.

According to the Coast Guard, five Shoreline Cleanup and Assessment teams, including one in New Jersey, will clean the affected areas today.

In New York, sightings have been reported in the areas of Coney Island, Long Island, Norton Point and Atlantic Beach.

Officials are looking into whether a fuel leak involving the vessel Dublin Express is connected.

Officials warn anyone who accidentally comes in contact with the tar to immediately wash their hands and clothes with soap and warm water.

Officials say contact with the tar balls can trigger an allergic reaction in some people and should be avoided, but for most people, brief contact will do no harm.