SOMERVILLE, N.J. – Somerset County could be in for a rough start to September, with severe thunderstorms threatening the area Tuesday and Wednesday and the potential for flooding increasing during the second day of storms.
The Somerset County Office of Emergency Management said Monday that the county is at Level 2 out of 5 for severe weather on both days. Damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes are possible.
Tuesday’s flash-flood threat is relatively low, but Wednesday could be a different story. Officials said repeated rounds of heavy rain could produce rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, with Wednesday’s total potentially reaching 3 inches.
Tuesday Brings First Round of Severe Storms
Tuesday’s forecast calls for severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds and large hail. Tornadoes are also possible, according to the county’s weather briefing.
Somerset County is under a Level 2 out of 5 severe-weather risk for the day.
The flash-flood threat Tuesday is Level 1 out of 4. Even with the lower flood risk, rainfall could still come down quickly, with rates reaching 1 to 2 inches.
Residents should keep an eye on conditions throughout the day, particularly if storms begin developing during travel hours.
Could tornadoes develop in Somerset County?
Yes. Somerset County emergency officials said tornadoes are possible Tuesday and Wednesday, along with damaging thunderstorm winds and large hail.
- Somerset County faces a Level 2 severe-weather risk Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Storms could bring damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes on both days.
- Wednesday carries the greater flooding concern, with repeated heavy rain and totals potentially reaching 3 inches.
Wednesday Flooding Threat Could Be More Serious
The concern doesn’t end when Tuesday’s storms move through.
Wednesday is also forecast to bring a Level 2 out of 5 severe-weather risk, again with the possibility of damaging winds, hail and tornadoes.
The bigger change comes with the rain.
Somerset County’s flash-flood threat rises to Level 2 out of 4 Wednesday. Repeated rounds of thunderstorms could drop 1 to 2 inches of rain per hour in some locations.
If storms repeatedly move over the same communities, total rainfall could reach 3 inches, county officials warned.
That kind of rainfall in a short period can create problems quickly, especially on low-lying roads and in areas with poor drainage.
Which day has the greater flash-flood risk?
Wednesday. The county places Tuesday at Level 1 out of 4 for flash flooding and Wednesday at Level 2, when repeated rounds of heavy rain could push totals as high as 3 inches.
Residents Urged to Make Sure Weather Alerts Are Turned On
With severe weather possible on consecutive days, officials are urging residents not to rely on seeing bad weather before taking action.
Somerset County maintains an emergency alert system that residents can use to receive public-safety notifications.
The county’s Office of Emergency Management said it is closely monitoring the approaching weather and will issue additional information as conditions change.
The weather graphics shared by the county were provided by the National Weather Service, which covers Somerset County through its Mount Holly forecast office.
Residents should pay particular attention if a severe thunderstorm, tornado or flash-flood warning is issued for their location. Drivers should also avoid attempting to cross roads covered by floodwater.
How can Somerset County residents receive emergency weather alerts?
Residents can register through the county’s emergency alerts page. Officials are encouraging people to have reliable ways to receive warnings during both days of severe weather.
Sources: Somerset County Office of Emergency Management; Somerset County emergency alerts; National Weather Service Mount Holly
