With a nor'easter headed toward the Jersey Shore and Philadelphia region this weekend, shore towns are preparing for the worst just in case.

Our NEXT Weather meteorologists say the low will likely start forming rain Sunday and Monday, with potential for several inches of rainfall that causes flooding, and waves as high as 15 to 20 feet.

Acting New Jersey Gov. Tahesha Way declared a State of Emergency in the Garden State that begins at 10 p.m. Saturday.

"Parts of the state are forecasted to experience moderate to major coastal flooding, instances of inland flash flooding, sustained winds of up to 60 mph, localized precipitation of up to five inches, and very high surf potentially causing significant beach erosion and dune breaching," Way said.

From the beach to the boards, it was calm down the shore Friday, but come Sunday, things could look very different.

"It's really bad, and we want you to take it seriously," Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small said.

During a news conference, emergency management officials in Atlantic City said they are bracing for rough surf, which could cause significant beach erosion, major coastal flooding, and wind gusts up to 60 mph.

The mayor says people living in low-lying areas need to be prepared for possible evacuations.

"This is not quite Sandy, but this is probably the closest thing that we've had since because of the high tides and anticipated rains up to 3-4 inches," Small said.

"We are prepared. We moved our car just to be on the safe side," Francine Rotkowski said.

In Sea Bright, Monmouth County's office of emergency management made hundreds of sandbags Friday to protect communities from flooding. Crews also cleared off the beach and have high-water vehicles on standby. 

"Our concern is obviously four high-tide cycles. Two on Sunday and two on Monday. That'll be most concerning to us because that will put pressure on back bays and rivers here," Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden said.

Sea Bright sits between the ocean and two rivers. Authorities say the borough could face flooding and winds gusting up to 50 mph, and residents are not taking their concerns lightly.

"I've weathered a few of the smaller hurricanes that have come through in the last few years. You get a little concerned," Jim Scholefield said.

In nearby Ventnor, Rotkowski and her husband, Greg, spent part of Friday afternoon on the beach, knowing the second half of their weekend down the shore would be impacted by Mother Nature. 

"We'll go to the shops in town and try to support local business and eat at the restaurants, maybe go to the casino instead of going to the beach," Rotkowski said.

With high winds expected, the Ventnor Fishing Pier will close Saturday at noon. The city is warning residents that the Dorset Avenue Bridge will also likely close during high tide, a spot that's prone to flooding.

"We have police and fire rescue on staff 24/7, so they're monitoring it on a real-time basis," Ventnor Mayor Tim Kriebel said.

Kriebel also said parking enforcement around the city will not be enforced this weekend, so people can move their cars to higher ground.

Preps are being made up and down the shore, and officials are urging people to be safe on the roads, especially on Sunday and Monday.

"We are definitely anticipating the White Horse Pike and Black Horse Pike to be closed, maybe a little water on the Expressway," Atlantic City Fire Battalion Chief Michael Famularo said.

The city is opening the Wave Garage and encouraging people to park there, away from floodwaters.

The Atlantic City Convention Center will open as a shelter, if needed.

Power companies primed and ready for storm

On the other end of the state, PSE&G, which serves parts of Gloucester, Camden, Burlington and Mercer counties in our region, says it is ready to deal with potential impacts like toppled trees and downed wires.

The utility says it is monitoring the storm closely and is ready to respond to outages caused by heavy rain and winds.

Anyone who comes across a downed wire should stay away and contact their electric company.