Gov. Chris Christie spoke this afternoon at the New Jersey National Guard Armory with an update on how the state is preparing for Hermine.

The governor said that by issuing a state of emergency for Atlantic, Cape May and Ocean counties, it allows for maximum flexibility to be able to move emergency resources as needed. 

It also means the National Guard will be able to help with rescue or cleanup if needed. And towns in those counties will have the authority to issue mandatory evacuations if necessary.

Christie says that at this point, he does not see a need to evacuate any of the barrier islands. But he notes that an about 900,000 additional people are on the islands for the holiday weekend, and he says it's important to monitor Hermine's track for any shifts that could impact New Jersey.