A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued across much of New Jersey, with scattered strong storms expected through Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch 220 was announced at 5:50 p.m. Saturday and remains in effect until 11:00 p.m. for 14 counties across the state. The watch includes Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Salem, Somerset, and Warren counties.
“Some of the storms could be severe and produce heavy rainfall,” the forecast stated Saturday evening. The storms are expected to bring strong wind gusts and localized flooding, especially during periods of heavy downpours. Rainfall totals could exceed an inch in some areas by midweek.
Overnight, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue, mainly before midnight, with a low around 61 degrees. The precipitation chance stands at 40%, with some localized areas seeing higher totals due to isolated thunderstorms.
Sunday’s forecast indicates more widespread activity, with thunderstorms expected before 4 p.m., followed by additional showers and potential storms later in the afternoon and evening. Rain chances climb to 80%, with daytime highs around 73 degrees and sustained south winds at 10 to 15 mph.
More rain expected through midweek
Showers will persist through Sunday night into Monday, with periods of thunderstorms possible after 11 a.m. Monday’s high will be near 66 degrees, and precipitation chances rise to 90%. East winds could gust up to 20 mph, with rainfall totals between half and three-quarters of an inch.
The storm system will remain over the region Monday night and Tuesday, bringing additional rounds of rain and thunderstorms. Nighttime temperatures are expected to drop to 57 degrees on Monday and 54 degrees Tuesday, with continued chances for localized flooding.
On Tuesday, showers and thunderstorms are again expected during the day with a high near 72 degrees. Rain will likely continue into Tuesday night, though activity may decrease slightly after 8 p.m.
As the system moves slowly through the Northeast, residents should remain alert for potential warnings or advisories, especially during peak thunderstorm hours. Wind gusts, flash flooding, and brief power outages remain possible hazards.