Heavy NJ Storms As Hazardous Weather Outlook, Flood Watch Issued

New Jersey's getting a storm that's going to get us closer to winter.

The National Weather Service has issued alerts across New Jersey for a cold, wet storm that's supposed to hit the region on Friday and Saturday. A hazardous weather outlook was issued across the state, and a flash flood watch was issued in North Jersey.

And, yes, some snow could even fall in Sussex County, mixing with the rain that's supposed to dump 1 to 2 inches across New Jersey. Thunderstorms and flooding are expected at the Jersey Shore.

New Jersey's winds could peak at 37 mph, especially at the Jersey Shore.

Much of the bad weather is expected to come after 2 p.m. on Friday and last through the night, according to the National Weather Service.

A flash flood watch has been issued since showers are expected to develop on Friday, and then moderate to heavy rain will impact the area during the late afternoon and evening. Rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches, with locally higher amounts, will fall during this time, the NWS says.

Newark officials warned that rain and high wind gusts are expected, especially early Saturday. Flash flooding is expected both days. Because motorists can become stranded by driving through flooded streets and high water, drivers are asked to avoid these locations and to use alternative routes.

Drivers are also discouraged from traveling through any streets that are flooded, have high water or are believed to be flooded.

The heaviest rain will fall across portions of northern New Jersey. Flash flooding is also possible on roadways and especially in areas of poor drainage, according to the National Weather Service.

The Raritan and Passaic mainstems will experience rises – in some cases to bankful or even exceeding bankful. Flooding along small streams and creeks is possible as well.

River flooding may continue into Saturday morning, well after the heavy rain has ended, according to the National Weather Service.

Here are the alerted areas:

Here is the forecast:

• Friday: Isolated showers before noon, then rain, mainly after 2pm. High near 54. East wind 9 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Friday night: Rain before 11pm, then showers likely, mainly between 11pm and 3am. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 41. Southeast wind 8 to 14 mph becoming west after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
• Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 45. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph.
• Saturday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 28. West wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tom Davis photos