Severe Thunderstorm Watch In 13 NJ Counties

A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for 13 New Jersey counties on Tuesday as heavy rain and lightning were impacting much of the state.

The counties impacted were Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Salem and Somerset.

The watch is in effect until 10 p.m. Flooding was already a factor in a number of areas, such as Middlesex County.

A severe thunderstorm warning was also issued for two New Jersey counties: Monmouth and Ocean.

Here is what to expect:

• At 2:17 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Jamesburg, or 8 miles south of New Brunswick, moving east at 30 mph.
• 60-mph wind gusts and quarter size hail were expected.
• Minor damage to vehicles is possible. Wind damage to roofs, siding, trees and power lines is possible.
• Another round of showers and thunderstorms is expected Tuesday into this evening. The strongest storms will be capable of producing torrential downpours, and the storms may have a tendency to move over the same areas. Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches may occur in a short amount of time. This could lead to localized flash flooding.
• The risk of flash flooding is highest with storms that produce excessive rainfall rates for an extended period of time. Flooding is most likely in more urbanized areas, in areas of poor drainage, and in locations that have received heavy rainfall the past few days. Rapid rises on small creeks and streams are possible.

Here is the forecast:

• Tuesday afternoon: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 3pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 3pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Southeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Tuesday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Areas of fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
• Wednesday: A chance of showers before 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Areas of fog before 7am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming southeast 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Wednesday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11pm, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Thursday: A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. Southeast wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Thursday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 8pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.